Braves: 3 players who would have to be in any Mike Trout trade package

3) The Braves would have to include Spencer Strider in a Mike Trout trade

William Contreras was originally a name to possibly include but with Logan O’Hoppe acquired at the trade deadline from the Philadelphia Phillies, the Angels would be wiser to add another pitcher with MLB experience. That’s where Spencer Strider becomes valuable to the Braves.

We’ve seen other rookie pitchers perform at a high level only to fall off shortly after. That’s not to suggest the same will happen with Strider. He could, indeed, remain a big part of the Braves’ future. It could be harder to pull off if they want to reel in Trout.

For the same reasons the Angels would be interested in Anderson, they would be immensely more in Strider. Anderson’s rough season plus Strider’s minimal additional control before free agency would make him far more intriguing for the Angels. In exchange for Trout, they’d be able to catch two young Braves starting pitchers and more on top of that. They can move forward with Anderson and Strider in their rotation and hope each of them continues to develop and gives the Angels a strong rotation in a few seasons when they are ready to compete again.

In addition to these three players, the Braves would have to give up at least something from the farm. Atlanta benefits greatly in blockbuster deals like this with the high number of young players already at the MLB level. Their farm system, while somewhat barren compared to others, still should have some parts the Angels could seek.

When it comes to trading Trout, the Angels have to get it right.