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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Mike Trout

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after tripping while rounding second base during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after tripping while rounding second base during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Los Angeles Angels were to make him available prior to the MLB Trade Deadline, which teams could trade for star outfielder Mike Trout?

Mike Trout is arguably the best player in all of baseball. He has dominated on the field ever since making his debut in the big leagues back in 2011. Trout can do it all on a baseball field, and being only 24-years-old, he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

If Trout is able to stay healthy throughout the rest of his career, he will likely go down as one of the legends of the game. He is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever play professional baseball.

A dominant defender in the outfield and incredible hitter at the plate, the easiest way to show how incredible Trout truly is, is by looking at his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) throughout his career.

WAR may not be a perfect stat, but it is a general way to figure out the overall value that a player brings to his team.

Since becoming a full-time player for the Angels in 2012, Trout has had the highest WAR of any player in baseball in every year. The only exception being last season, when Trout’s 9.0 WAR came in second to NL MVP Bryce Harper’s 9.5, according to Fangraphs.

Trout has been incredible again in 2016, leading the way again with a 5.5 WAR at the half-way point. Simply put, with the exception of Harper last season, Trout has consistently been the best player in baseball since he made it to the majors, and his numbers stack up favorably against the all-time greats.

That being said, despite Trout’s ridiculous success, the Angels have struggled to be consistent contenders. It is happening again this season. Trout is the best player in the game, but his team is an ugly 37-52 and in last place in their division.

On the surface, trading Trout may seem crazy, but the Angels are in a position where they would be best served to rebuild. Obviously, rebuilding around Trout makes plenty of sense, but I wonder if they would be better off trading him to the highest bidder.

I cannot even imagine the haul that the Angels would get in exchange for Trout. Simply put, it would be incredibly significant.

I am not saying that the Angels should trade the best player in the game, but what would it hurt to see what they could get? There are only a handful of MLB teams who could even put together a realistic package in exchange for Trout.

Let’s take a look at the possible contenders.

Next: 5. Chicago Cubs

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