Mike Trout's Future With Angels Updated by GM Amid Phillies, 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Buzz

The Los Angeles Angels are headed for yet another losing season, with a 36-54 record as the All-Star Break approaches. The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, are 50-39 but in desperate need of a right-handed bat and outfielder as they seek to win their first title since 2008.

So the two teams might be natural trade partners before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, right?

Well, not so fast, as MLB insider Jim Bowden found out:

nted, one wouldn't expect John Mozeliak to publicly confirm a willingness to trade Trout to the Phillies, or any trade talks that may have happened beyond closed doors. Not exactly the best way to maintain your leverage in potential discussions.

But such a deal would make sense if it came to fruition. Alongside the aforementioned reasons above, Trout is originally from New Jersey and remains a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, often in attendance once the MLB season concludes (which for the Angels has been late September given an 11-year playoff drought).

The 34-year-old has been fantastic in the 2025 season, hitting .234 with 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, a 2.8 WAR and .866 OPS. For a Phillies team needing a right-handed bat to protect Bryce Harper in the lineup and hit cleanup, he'd slide in nicely.

A hamstring injury has sidelined him since June 17, however, and such injuries remain a major part of Trout's story in the later stages of his career, though he is hopeful to return this week. He also has four years left on his deal beyond 2026 ($37.1 million per season)—a lot for an acquiring team to take on given that injury history—alongside a full no-trade clause.

In other words, any potential trade comes with complications.

For now, Mozeliak is maintaining that the team won't be trading him to Philly. But that probably isn't going to be the end of the rumors linking Trout to the Phillies.