Angels finally predicted to part ways with Mike Trout to help both parites involved

May 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after striking out swinging in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Predicting what might happen at Major League Baseball's trade deadline this year is difficult, as the expected offseason lockout could play a role in what teams want to do. If teams believe that there's going to be a massive lockout and major changes are coming, trading some of their top players might not be the worst idea right now. 

For somebody like Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, that can definitely play a factor. Factor in Trout playing some really good baseball at the moment, hitting .248 with 11 home runs, and there's reason to believe he could finally be traded.

For those reasons and more, FanSided recently predicted that he wouldn't be on the Angels after the trade deadline, with the belief now that it actually makes more sense for Trout to be traded than ever before.

“This is the big one, so let's deal with it right off the bat. Yes, Trout has a full no-trade clause, and no, he's not shown any indication that he has any interest in playing for another team. As of right now, there's no tangible reason to believe that a Trout deal is even a possibility.

“And yet. Call me crazy, but I think the situation could change by the time late July rolls around. Trout clearly prioritizes comfort and familiarity over chasing a more competitive situation, as is his right. But he's also a professional athlete; it's not as though he'll be thrilled to spend the rest of his career winning 75 games a year. There's a chance that he could be persuaded — and despite all he's meant to this franchise, it's in the Angels' best interest to convince him that now is the time to part ways,” Chris Landers of FanSided wrote.

The 34-year-old Trout isn't what he used to be, but that definitely doesn't take away from him still being a very good player in Major League Baseball. 

He's had a great year and looks to be all the way back. Trout never really left, but the injuries were affecting how he played.

More MLB news:

• Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm gets brutal contract update due to expected MLB lockout
• Dodgers to benefit from Tarik Skubal’s injury, and that’s scary for the rest of Major League Baseball
• Yankees could benefit from Tarik Skubal’s unfortunate injury, but the Dodgers are looming
• Yankees writer believes New York will eventually steal Team USA infielder from NL contender after Aaron Judge’s comments
• Phillies’ Aaron Nola warned over $172 million contract that hasn’t gone as planned
• Cubs ex-slugger Kris Bryant absolutely blasted for reason that most would agree with