WATCH: Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday talking about Mike Trout and the Philadelphia Phillies on the golf course

Former No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft and Baltimore Orioles No. 1 overall prospect Jackson Holliday was out on the golf course with the popular YouTube guys, BustaJack Golf and was talking about Mike Trout and the possibility of him joining the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jackson Holliday on the Phillies & Mike Trout:

Jackson Holliday on the Phillies & Mike Trout:

“I think the Phillies would do anything to get him. I think they would give away their whole farm system ‘cause he’s from Philly, you know.”

“I don’t know why he wouldn’t be open to that.” pic.twitter.com/ltHvxd3LQT

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) November 28, 2024

“I think the Phillies would do anything to get him. I think they would give away their whole farm system ‘cause he’s from Philly, you know.”

“I don’t know why he wouldn’t be open to that.”

Obviously Holliday is just floating around the idea but it does bring up a pretty interesting point outside of the fact that as we all know, Mike Trout is THE kid from Millville, New Jersey and as a ton of ties to Philadelphia and sports fandom here in the city.

The thought here is that the Los Angeles Angels might finally be done trying to build around Mike Trout and will now be willing to eat a massive chunk of his remaining contract.

Trout signed a 12-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Angels worth $426.5 million in March 2019. The Phillies already have a projected $275 million payroll in 2025, so getting Trout’s salary off the books in the first year would be crucial.

The idea would be to start picking up his tab in 2026, once JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber’s deals are done.

If the Angels are willing to do that, Trout could be a legitimate target—especially considering the Phillies had to pinch-hit for their outfielders six times in a four-game postseason meltdown.

Phillies fans never seem to be open to the idea that Trout, a hometown hero and 11-time All-Star, would return to the team he grew up loving. Why? I have no idea. Injuries aside, Mike Trout was well on his way to being the greatest baseball player on planet earth until Shohei Ohtani showed up and when healthy, can still be an impact player.

Obviously, the main concern comes with the baggage Trout brings in terms of financial risk and injury history. That’s a reasonable argument since he has been sidelined for large chunks of the regular season over the past few years but even still, his numbers are hard to ignore.

Mike Trout Career Numbers:

The thought of adding Mike Trout is undeniably intriguing

When he’s healthy, he’s an elite talent that would give the Phillies a massive boost in the outfield. But that’s the million-dollar question—or, more accurately, the $300 million question.

Can he stay on the field? Recent history says no.

And then there’s the financial side of it. Trout’s contract is one of the biggest in MLB history, and it’s not getting any lighter as he gets older.

The Angels would need to swallow a lot of cash to make this work, and even then, it’s debatable whether Trout would be the missing piece for a title run in Philly.

It’s easy to dream about a lineup that adds Trout to the right side of the plate, but dreams don’t always win championships—healthy rosters do.

While it’s fun to picture Trout in red pinstripes, the Phillies probably won’t pull the trigger even though I think they should. The name is big, but recently, the risks are even bigger.

Maybe it’s finally time for Mike Trout to come home. Or maybe it’s time for the Phillies to look for someone who’s more than just a good story? I’m looking at you, Juan Soto.

Good News: Todd Zolecki offers counter report to the Phillies not contacting Scott Boras, says they still intend to meet with Juan Soto >>

Full Episode: BustaJack with Jackson Holliday

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