MLB insider says Braves have legitimate shot to land Angels Mike Trout in blockbuster outfield move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves are beginning to get healthier as key players return to full strength. Atlanta is trying to keep things steady while working its way back to full roster form.
Just over the weekend, Braves center fielder Michael Harris II returned to full-time duty in the outfield.
“A quad injury kept Harris out of the lineup for each of Atlanta's last two games, though he was able to appear as a pinch hitter Monday. Now back starting in the outfield, he'll aim to continue a hot start that's seen him slash .318/.351/.551 with seven homers, 22 RBI and 13 runs scored through 33 games,” CBS Sports wrote.
The Braves already feature a strong outfield with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Harris, along with additional depth options like Mauricio Dubón. However, MLB insider Jim Bowden believes Atlanta could even make a blockbuster move for Mike Trout.
“I can envision the outfield: Trout, Acuña, and Michael Harris," Bowden said. "It would be a perfect fit for them, and that would give Mike Trout a legitimate shot, even a better chance than Philadelphia, of winning a World Series, and he would fit perfectly with that team."
The biggest potential obstacle would be what Atlanta would have to give up in a trade. However, the Braves do have prospect depth and roster flexibility that could make a deal at least plausible.
“The bench is deeper. They have options for the infield and more flexibility in the outfield this time around. Even as some of the moves to add depth went down, they were able to pivot and get a reinforcement as opposed to a quick patchwork. Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo were brought in for the major league roster. Kyle Farmer and Aaron Schunk are options with experience in camp. Dominic Smith can step in at either first base or in the outfield,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.
A move like this would be a massive addition for Atlanta, especially if Trout can be kept healthy. His power at the plate has not diminished, and on days he doesn’t play the field, he could easily serve as the designated hitter.
Trout is under contract through at least 2030, taking him near the back end of his career. Adding him would give Atlanta another elite bat and a true face-of-the-league presence in the lineup. While the move remains unlikely, Bowden believes the fit is simply too compelling to ignore.
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