Players switching teams during free agency is a common scenario. But when the face of the team leaves, it creates a significant void. The Los Angeles Angles are rumored to be suffering from it, as 2023 may be the last year for their two strongest pillars standing under their name. As the rumors follow, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout are likely to say goodbye to their current teams. While the LA Dodgers stand as one of the strongest contenders for the former, the Philadelphia Phillies are rumored to be the next destination of the latter.

Mike Trout has been the face of the Angels since 2011. Since he joined the MLB, he has been with the Angels through every up and down. But consistently worse seasons have made things so different that now other possibilities are being explored. While Ohtani’s departure is almost confirmed, fans are now discussing Mike Trout’s offseason trade. Even some MLB insiders explored the opportunities of Mike Trout’s offer, where they placed the Philadelphia Phillies at the top.

Will Mike Trout Join the Philadelphia Phillies?

Since becoming an everyday player for the 2011 season, Trout has become one of the top baseball players. He is a native of Millville, New Jersey, and a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. Trout’s route to the team has become many Phillies fans’ lifeline due to the local connection.

While Ohtani, in all probability, expected not to be on the Angles’ roster the next season, renowned MLB insiders like Bob Nightengale and Zachary D. Rymer highlighted the aspects of Trout leaving the team. The Angles missed their 9th straight Postseason this year. Per the sources, if the player wants, the team will free him for trade.

Possibilities and rumors go hand in hand. When there’s a possibility, there must be rumors around it. So, as the possibility of the 33-year-old outfielder leaving the team came to light, his trade rumors are also hitting up. Most importantly, they are moving around him, joining the Phillies.

According to Bleacher Report, Mike Trout expressed, “I haven’t thought about it yet. There are going to be some conversations in the winter, for sure. Just to see the direction of everything and what the plan is.” Mike Trout and the Phillies rumor, of course, has a valid past.

The team previously tried to sign the Angels’ outfielder but failed, as he signed the 12-year $426.5 million deal with the Angels. So, this is high time for them to give it another try. Trout has grown up watching the Phillies, so the bond already exists, and combining Harper and Trout will give the Phillies a golden line-up that fans have been dreaming of for a long.

Even some reports say the owner of the team, John Middleton is ready to spend for him without hesitation and that the president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may get aggressive to get the man he desires. However, that won’t be the only possibility though. If the 11x All-Star is open for trade, other big franchises are also likely to approach.

Other Teams Expected to Approach Trout

If a player like Mike Trout is open for trade, almost every big franchise will be interested. Despite the team disappointing him entirely, this slugger had strengthened his achievement list. According to Zachary Rotman, the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are among the strongest contenders to absorb Mike Trout’s contract.

This may be the closest we’ve actually been to Mike Trout returning to Philadelphia despite all the hoopla over the past few years about it. Up until it happens, of course.