Red Sox: Could this dream trade package land Mike Trout in Boston?

The 2022 season has been a massive disappointment for the Red Sox, and they should go all-in for Mike Trout to become legitimate contenders again.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno announced that he is planning to sell the team. This has led to immense speculation that the constantly underperforming Angels could look to trade Mike Trout as a way to truly begin a much-needed rebuild. Due to Trout’s 10-and-5 rights (10 years in the majors and five with the team), he has to give the green light to be traded to a team. One team that he could be interested in joining is the Boston Red Sox.

One year after making it to the ALCS, the Red Sox have been underwhelming in 2022. At this juncture of the campaign, they sport a 61-65 record and are at the bottom of the American League (AL) East. With the Red Sox being a high-market team, this placement in the standings is entirely unacceptable, and it should spark big changes this offseason. Bringing in a franchise talent like Trout would certainly be a step in the right direction on that front.

Red Sox: A dream trade package to acquire Mike Trout

The idea of the Red Sox acquiring Trout is an exciting one for fans, but it certainly would come at a high cost. Let’s look at a potential trade package that could make this blockbuster come to fruition.

The Red Sox would likely need to part ways with a major-league talent in this kind of trade, and Alex Verdugo would make the most sense. At just 26 years old, he is still young enough to fit into a rebuild and has the potential to improve. In 119 games this season, he has seven home runs, 59 RBIs, and a .282 batting average.

Triston Casas would be a top prospect who the Angels would absolutely want to acquire in this move. The 22-year-old first baseman is currently ranked as the 26th best prospect in the league and seems almost ready to make the permanent jump to the majors. In 66 games with Triple-A this season, he has nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .266 batting average.

Brayan Bello would certainly be on the Angels’ radar in such a move, too. The Angels need pitching, and Bello has the potential to develop into a high-end starter. Although he struggled in his six appearances with the Red Sox this season, he’s been excellent in Double-A and Triple-A. In 18 minor league games on the year, he has a 6-2 record and 2.76 ERA.

Ceddanne Rafaela is a prospect on the rise who could be a major leaguer as soon as next season. In 102 games split between Single-A+ and Double-A, the 21-year-old third baseman has 19 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a .303 batting average.

Nevertheless, it would cost the Red Sox a lot to acquire Trout. Yet, if it means getting back to being a contender again, Boston should pay the price and bring in the superstar.