Mike Trout is back yes, the Phillies should already be calling the Angels to make a trade

Well, the wait is over. Mike Trout is officially set to come off the injured list Friday when the Angels head to Cleveland, per Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register.

The three-time MVP will return after missing nearly a month with a left knee injury that had fans and media alike guessing about his status.

Mike Trout to be activated today against Cleveland

The Angels are expected to active Mike Trout from the injured list tomorrow in Cleveland, per @JeffFletcherOCR pic.twitter.com/iyuF9fuOAb

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 30, 2025

Trout was hurt running the bases on April 30. The Angels initially downplayed it, but he landed on the IL on May 2 and hadn’t played since.

It was later revealed to be a bone bruise — the same knee where he twice tore the meniscus last season, limiting him to just 29 games. The updates were sparse. Outside of a few cage-swing videos floating around online, there wasn’t much to go on.

Now, he’s back. And while Trout’s hitting line this season isn’t pretty (.179 average in 106 ABs), he still managed to belt 9 homers and drive in 18 runs before the injury. The Angels desperately need the help — they’ve lost five straight and have stumbled to 25-30 after an earlier eight-game win streak.

The bigger conversation here, at least in Philly, is whether the Phillies should be working the phones on Trout ahead of the trade deadline.

I’ll say it again — the Phillies absolutely should.

I get it. Injuries are the giant red flag. Trout’s been banged up the past few years and carries a massive contract (12 years, $426.5 million signed in 2019). But he’s still an elite talent when healthy. His career numbers speak for themselves. And he’s a Philly guy. The fit is obvious.

The Phillies already have a projected $275 million payroll for 2025, but Trout’s deal could be manageable if the Angels are willing to eat money or stagger the salary. Several Phillies contracts — Realmuto, Suarez, Bohm, Castellanos, Schwarber — could come off the books within 1-2 years, making a move for Trout more feasible in 2026 and beyond.

And let’s not forget the postseason meltdown last year. The Phillies had to pinch-hit for outfielders six times in four games. Adding Trout to the mix would go a long way toward fixing that problem.

Picture this lineup:

1. Trea Turner
2. Mike Trout
3. Bryce Harper
4. Nick Castellanos
5. Kyle Schwarber
6. Alec Bohm
7. Bryson Stott
8. JT Realmuto
9. Brandon Marsh

That’s a monster. Yes, there’s risk — but that kind of upside is worth pursuing if the price is right. And don’t hit me with the “but his contract” argument. The Phillies have proven they’ll spend to win, and if they can structure this right, Trout could absolutely be the missing piece.

Of course, health is the big question. Can Mike Trout stay on the field?

History says probably not for 162 games. But even at 100 games of Mike Trout, you’re adding an impact bat to an already loaded roster.

It’s at least worth the call. Baseball is better when Mike Trout is healthy — and if there’s even a sliver of a chance he could come home to Philly and chase a title, the Phillies would be foolish not to explore it.

The Angels are going nowhere fast. The Phillies are in win-now mode. There’s a deal to be made here if both sides are willing.

And if Dave Dombrowski isn’t already thinking about it, he should be.

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