As June’s MLB trade buzz heats up, an off‑the‑wall speculation has emerged: the Boston Red Sox could attempt the unthinkable—steal 11‑time All‑Star and three‑time MVP Mike Trout from the Angels. While seemingly far‑fetched, the storyline captures imaginations in Beantown and beyond.
Why Red Sox fans are dreaming big
Boston’s lineup has lacked star power since the departures of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. Rafael Devers and emerging talents like Triston Casas provide hope, but none match Trout’s career resume. His résumé—.300+ career average, 375 home runs, nearly 1,000 RBIs, and a 2.7 bWAR in just 82 games this year—is the sort of impact any contender would covet .
A move for Trout would electrify Fenway Park. Imagine jerseys emblazoned “Trout” waving in the stands, and the Sox front office signaling they’re all-in on contention. Such a blockbuster would mark a bold “win-now” statement, reminiscent of the splashy, aggressive moves Boston made before with stars like Chris Sale .
Major obstacles ahead
Still, the odds are stacked heavily against Boston. Trout has exclusive no-trade rights—and despite trade season chatter across ESPN, FanGraphs and other outlets, he’s remained adamantly committed to the Angels, stating he “loves where I’m at … I love Anaheim” and laughing off speculation . Angels owner Arte Moreno and GM Billy Eppler have publicly shut down any trade rumors, emphasizing that Trout is off-limits .
The financial and roster implications are steep. Trout’s contract runs through 2030, paying nearly $250 million over the next seven years—meaning any acquiring team would need serious financial heft or a significant contract contribution from the Angels . Moreover, acquiring Trout would cost Boston top prospects—possibly Rafael Devers—plus additional assets, as illustrated by one proposal involving Devers, a young LHP, and $100 million cash .
So, is it realistic?
According to oddsmakers, not yet a pipe dream—Boston carries +1400 odds (~7%) to land Trout this winter, ranked seventh among contenders . But while some analysts (like Mark DeRosa via NESN) applaud the concept, they also acknowledge it’s a long shot .
In essence, Boston supporters should enjoy the daydream—but editors, front-office executives, and Angels brass maintain cool restraint. With Trout’s loyalty clear, a major deal remains a wild but distant possibility.
