Fishing for Trout? The Angels are interested in Alec Bohm, How a Mike Trout trade could actually work for the Phillies

Mike Trout to Philly – Despite what Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson have told reporters, the Alec Bohm trade rumors are heating up, and the Phillies’ early asking price has been—let’s just say—ambitious.

According to reports a few weeks ago, Philly reached out to the Mariners, inquiring about their young aces, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, in exchange for Bohm. That’s a bold move for a player who, while solid, isn’t exactly setting the league on fire.

Phillies asking for Logan Gilbert or George Kirby in exchange for Alec Bohm is laughable >>

Today, the Phillies’ offseason just got spicier, with Jim Bowden claiming on MLB Network Radio this morning that Philly offered Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm to the Astros for Kyle Tucker.

Phillies reportedly offered Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm for Kyle Tucker >>

Bohm, 28, had an up-and-down season in 2024. He slashed .280/.332/.448 overall, but that stat line hides a glaring issue: his production fell off a cliff after April. Bohm was on fire to start the season, hitting .366/.438/.598 in the opening month, but from May 1 onward, he hit just .258/.303/.410—a stat line that’s barely league average.

For a player with a projected $8.1 million salary in arbitration and two more years of team control, it’s easy to see why the Phillies are gauging interest from around the MLB but whether you are okay with how they are handling it is certainly up for debate.

To Bohm’s credit, his defense has shown improvement. After being a liability at third base early in his career, he posted respectable marks in 2024 with 0 Defensive Runs Saved and 4 Outs Above Average. That’s a step forward, but whether it’s sustainable remains a big question for teams considering him as their long-term answer at the hot corner.

Plus, the Phillies clearly value Bohm highly, and why wouldn’t they? He’s been a steady presence in the lineup and a part of their core during recent postseason runs.

The real question is: what’s the Phillies’ plan at third base? If they’re this open to moving Bohm, does that mean they’re still in on someone like Nolan Arenado or hoping to find an upgrade elsewhere?

Or is this just classic Dave Dombrowski playing the market, asking high to see what comes back?

If Bohm is going to be moved, it should be part of a calculated plan to bring in a significant piece—preferably a controllable starting pitcher. But given his inconsistency at the plate and questions about his defense, it’s hard to imagine a team coughing up a fair amount in return.

The Phillies need to be realistic about Alec Bohm’s value. He’s a solid player with some upside, but he’s not a game-changer. Packaging him in a larger deal might make sense, but straight-up blockbuster offers for elite arms? That feels like wishful thinking.

Enter the Los Angeles Angels and “Fishing for Mike Trout”

A look at where things stand with the Angels heading out of the winter meetings, including another infield possibility.

Also, an update on the spring training facility upgrades.https://t.co/YEzgXe9e81

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) December 11, 2024

Angels want Alec Bohm for who? Mickey Moniak and Logan O’Hoppe?

Kidding but that’d be nice.

Obviously, whenever we talk about the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Trout comes to mind. While the rest of the internet says “Mike Trout is owed too much money” and “Mike Trout can’t stay healthy” I am here to tell you that they are wrong and I’m right in this situation.

Mike Trout is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The Phillies should be interested and can make the money work. The thought here is that Los Angeles 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.

Again, I ask a simple question. Why? I honestly 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. I understand that. But what if he can?

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, I understand that 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. While targets like Kyle Tucker, Garrett Crochet, and others are getting interest elsewhere, Mike Trout seems to be under the radar as a potential option, assuming he allows the Phillies to work around his no trade clause.

Still, the Mike Trout name is big, but recently, the risks are even bigger.

Just think about it though…

1. Bryce Harper 
2. Trea Turner
3. Mike Trout 
4. Nick Castellanos
5. Kyle Schwarber 
6. Nolan Arenado / Alex Bregman 
7. Bryson Stott 
8. JT Realmuto 
9. Brandon Marsh 

Yes, Bryce Harper leading off in 2025. Here’s why:

Rob Thomson weighed in on the possibility of moving Bryce Harper to the leadoff spot in 2025

So maybe when all else fails, it will result in Mike Trout and a new guy at third base? I highly doubt the money works out but here’s to dreaming of better days throughout the winter, right?

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