The chances of playing for the New York Yankees in 2025 are slim at best—but that hasn’t stopped anyone from speculating. With the Yankees still reeling after losing their star player, Juan Soto, to the rival Mets, it’s as good a time as any to imagine what lengths they might go to in order to recover from that blow.
Rumors are swirling that Trout’s time with the Los Angeles Angels might be nearing its end, sparking a wave of trade proposals ranging from improbable to outright wild. So why not jump into the conversation and explore what it would take for the Yankees to land the three-time MVP?
It’s worth noting that Trout grew up in Millville, New Jersey, idolizing Yankees legend Derek Jeter. While he holds a full no-trade clause, it’s not hard to envision him waiving it for a move east to join the most storied franchise in sports.
But here’s the real question: would the Yankees even want him? A couple of years ago, such a question would have seemed ridiculous. However, Trout hasn’t had a fully healthy season since 2019. He’s barely played 100 games over the past two seasons, and as he approaches his age-33 season, there’s legitimate concern that his MVP-caliber days are behind him.
Trading for Mike Trout would be a complex endeavor, even for a team with the Yankees’ resources. Here’s a look at how New York and Los Angeles could potentially work out a deal.
The Yankees and Angels must address Mike Trout’s contract
Mike Trout is currently playing under a 12-year, $426.5 million contract he signed with the Angels in 2019. This deal has him earning over $37 million annually through 2030, his age-38 season. The likelihood of Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner committing to that kind of money for a player as high-risk as Trout seems virtually nonexistent—especially considering the Yankees won’t have to pay Juan Soto anything after losing him to the Mets. To make such a trade feasible, the Angels would either need to absorb a significant portion of Trout’s contract or take on one of New York’s high-priced players in return.
One rumored Yankees trade candidate is Marcus Stroman, who is set to earn $18.3 million next season with a vesting option for the same amount in 2026. Including Stroman in a deal could give New York financial flexibility for the next couple of years, especially since they’re already committed to DJ LeMahieu (owed $30 million) and the most expensive years of Giancarlo Stanton’s contract. Once those contracts clear, Trout’s deal becomes more manageable for the Yankees moving forward.
The Angels need pieces to build around
To land Mike Trout, the Yankees would need to give up significant assets—and that starts with Spencer Jones. As the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, Jones would be a centerpiece in any potential trade. The Angels, looking to replace their superstar outfielder, would naturally target a player who has the potential to develop into a star, even if he doesn’t reach Trout’s legendary level.
Jones, a 23-year-old left-handed hitter, is known for his power and athleticism. He hit 17 home runs in Double-A Somerset this past season, posting a .789 OPS. He’s likely to start 2025 in Triple-A, whether that’s with the Yankees or the Angels.
To sweeten the deal, the Yankees could include some near-MLB-ready bullpen arms. Relievers like Clayton Beeter and Yeondrys Gomez, who both saw time with the big-league club in 2024, could bolster a lackluster Angels bullpen. Both pitchers are capable of making an immediate impact, which would add value to the trade package.
The crazy Yankees-Angels trade to land Mike Trout
It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what it would take for the Yankees to acquire Mike Trout, given the unique combination of his massive upside, recent injury issues, and enormous contract. What’s clear, though, is that the Yankees would need to find a way to offset Trout’s salary in the short term and include Major League-ready talent in the deal.
Here’s the ambitious trade proposal we came up with:
Yankees receive:
- Mike Trout (6 years, $222.7 million remaining on his contract)
Angels receive:
- Marcus Stroman (up to 2 years, $36.6 million remaining)
- Spencer Jones (Yankees’ No. 2 prospect)
- Clayton Beeter (Yankees’ No. 18 prospect)
- Roc Riggio (Yankees’ No. 21 prospect)
This trade balances the Yankees’ need to bring in a superstar with a manageable financial structure, while giving the Angels a mix of salary relief and promising young talent to help them retool.
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