The Los Angeles Dodgers are being heavily predicted to make a massive, franchise-altering trade to reunite superstar Shohei Ohtani (the current Dodgers star) with his former teammate and fellow icon, three-time American League MVP Mike Trout (the main piece in this trade rumor).
This predicted blockbuster would move Trout from the cross-town Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers, creating one of the most historically stacked lineups in MLB history and solidifying the Dodgers’ position in their quest for a three-peat.
The $426 Million Man: Why Trout is the Target
Mike Trout, 34, is the player referred to as the $426 million three-time MVP, referencing the massive 12-year, $426.5 million contract he signed with the Angels in 2019. Despite his age and recent injury issues, Trout remains an elite slugger and is precisely the high-impact outfielder the Dodgers need.
- The Fit: The Dodgers’ primary offensive weakness in 2025 was the consistent production from the corner outfield spots. A healthy Trout provides a definitive, elite upgrade in either left field or, more likely, as a full-time designated hitter (DH), allowing Ohtani to focus on pitching.
- The Lineup Concept: The idea of Trout batting cleanup behind Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman is described as a “hell of a concept” that would be the most dominant $\text{1-4}$ punch in baseball history (Source 4.1).
- The Angels’ Incentive: The Angels are still committed to a rebuilding process and may finally be willing to trade Trout, who is desperate to compete for a championship. The Dodgers are one of the few teams “financially equipped” to absorb the remainder of Trout’s exorbitant contract, making them a natural trade partner (Source 4.1).
The Strategic Tradeoffs
The Dodgers’ front office, led by Andrew Friedman, rarely makes trades solely based on sentiment. Their pursuit of Trout is a calculated risk:
| The Benefit for the Dodgers | The Risk for the Dodgers |
| Elite DH/Outfield: Trout, even in 130 games, slashed $.232/.359/.439$ with 26 home runs in 2025 (Source 4.1). Those numbers would be “pumped up” in the Dodgers lineup. | Injury and Durability: Trout’s injury history is significant. Committing to his contract means the Dodgers must be prepared for his “inevitable, extended absence due to injury” (Source 4.1). |
| Financial Recklessness: The Dodgers have shown they are the only team willing to be “reckless with their spending,” and their robust depth can “survive Trout’s inevitable, extended absence” (Source 4.1). | Cost in Prospects: To acquire Trout, the Dodgers would have to give up a substantial package of their elite farm system, which is a rare move for Friedman. |
| Championship Urgency: Trout is motivated to finally make the playoffs and compete for a World Series ring, a massive motivation for the veteran star. | Contract Length: Trout’s contract is guaranteed through the 2030 season, meaning the Dodgers would be committed to him well into his late thirties. |
The prediction is a testament to the Dodgers’ relentless pursuit of star talent and their willingness to push their payroll to historic limits to ensure the dynasty continues.
If the Dodgers secure Mike Trout, their next focus will be the bullpen. Would you like the latest buzz on the Dodgers’ pursuit of an elite closer for the 2026 season?
