Padres Rumors: Writer Proposes Deal to Get 3-Time MVP Mike Trout in San Diego
Never shy to continue adding star talent on top of an already potent roster, rumblings of a trade concerning Angels superstar Mike Trout may come to fruition in the coming months through San Diego GM AJ Preller.
With the Halos currently in freefall, the Padres have been cited as a team that could bring the former MVP in for a price that may not be as high as some might think.
San Diego Padres get OF Mike Trout and $65 Million; Los Angeles Angels get 1B Jake Cronenworth and RHP Dylan Lesko
This deal would arguably favor the Angels, as they'd have to eat "only" $65 million in exchange for Reuter's No. 55 prospect and a guy who was an All-Star in 2021 and 2022. But that's also the catch. The Padres would probably only do this deal if they were convinced Cronenworth's failure to thrive as an everyday first baseman in 2023 is somehow permanent.
via Zachary D. Rymer, Bleacher Report
Though Trent Grisham currently mans the fort in center for an already pricey roster, Trout's place in center or right could be an interesting experiment for one of the most expensive teams in baseball.
Reaching one of the highest payrolls in the league this year, the goals the Padres set out to have were definitely not achieved as a result of likely missing the playoffs in 2023.
Trading for Trout could jolt the lineup with even more talent and could be the difference for 2024.
Losing Cronenworth who's shown all star form across the infield for his tenure with the Friars would sting, but a former MVP could be the difference between an NLCS berth and a World Series ring as the Padres would've preferred in 2022.
No matter what direction the Padres decide to go, Trout's talents could be available for them to pursue either way.