MLB rumors: 5 teams that should free Mike Trout with Angels ownership in flux

The Los Angeles Angels are about to be sold, so here are 5 MLB teams that should take advantage and free Mike Trout from the in-flux, struggling franchise.

When you think of the Los Angeles Angels, you likely think of Mike Trout. He’s synonymous with the Angels — and with missing the playoffs.

Since debuting in 2011, Trout has been to the playoffs just once. Meanwhile, he’s only been the best MLB player since he debuted, aside from now teammate Shohei Ohtani, and will go down in history as one of the absolute best MLB players ever to play the game, if not the best. Yet, he needs to get to the playoffs way more often than he is currently. The MLB needs it, fans need it, and everyone needs it.

It’s clear the Angels won’t be that team any time soon contending for the playoffs. Since the news came out Tuesday morning that the Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno is open to selling the team, rumors immediately began to spread that the Angels can now trade Mike Trout.

So, can any MLB teams take advantage and save Trout from the Angels? Before we get into the top five, some honorable mentions:

• Los Angeles Dodgers (they buy everyone)
• New York Yankees (if don’t re-sign Aaron Judge)
• San Francisco Giants (if they keep clawing for a shot to contend)
• New York Mets (it’s Steve Cohen)
• Texas Rangers (makes a ton of sense if they weren’t in the AL West)

MLB rumors: 5 teams that should free Mike Trout from Angels

5. Mike Trout trade destination: Houston Astros

I get why you don’t want Trout on the Houston Astros. It would be weird, he’s their rival, and the Astros are, well, the Astros.

However, it would give Trout the best chance to win a World Series. Houston certainly has the money to afford Trout’s huge contract. Combine that with the fact that the Astros need a power-hitting centerfielder with strong defense and it makes even more sense.

The only long-term cog in the Astros’ outfield is Kyle Tucker. He’s going to man right field. Michael Brantley is injured, 35, and will be a free agent. Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers are good players, but neither is even close to sniffing Trout’s level. So, the team could certainly use another great outfielder.

Imagine Trout smashing home runs over the Crawford Boxes as he pushes for a World Series title or just a playoff at-bat. The Astros have the prospects, but would the Angels be willing to trade him to a division rival is the question.