The Los Angeles Angels enter Monday with a 16-23 record that ranks last in the American League West. This is despite a promising 9-5 start that had many in Anaheim hopeful a bounce-back season could follow a franchise record 99 losses in 2024.
One of the big moves the Angels made in the offseason was not an external one. Moving 11-time All-Star Mike Trout to right field, LA hoped its franchise player could stay healthier in a corner outfield spot.
Advertisement
This move looked to be working, as Trout appeared in 29 straight games to begin 2025, but a left knee bone bruise suffered on April 30 landed him on the 10-day IL.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27)© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Trout officially hit the injured list on May 2, and just three days later, Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a hypothetical trade for LA that includes a different outfielder. The deal would send right-handed slugger Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitching prospect Ben Kudrna.
Soler spent five seasons in Kansas City, and could bolster its lineup with his .802 OPS against right-handed pitching.
While Trout was eligible to be activated off the IL on Sunday, he told reporters on Saturday he has yet to begin running, but plans to this week (via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com). With Trout still inactive, and the Angels slipping further out of postseason contention, getting off Soler’s deal could make sense.
Advertisement
“This trade would give the Angels salary relief and more payroll flexibility, as Soler is signed for $16 million per year through 2026,” Bowden added of the proposed deal that lands Kudrna in Anaheim.
Related: Angels Make Unexpected Coaching Move After 35th Game
Related: Dodgers Announce Trade With Blue Jays After Teoscar Hernandez News