MLB trade rumors: Hall of Famer suggests Angels’ Mike Trout-to-Phillies offseason blockbuster

Fox Sports’ Frank Thomas thinks the Phillies and Angels could matchup for a Mike Trout trade this coming offseason.

Here we go–again.

With the 2018 Phillies trying to claw into the postseason, there’s always an eye on even bigger things for a franchise with upside and a ton of money to spend in future seasons.

When the offseason arrives, expect Manny Machado and Bryce Harper rumors to dominate the conversation.

But now we can circle back to an even bigger name: Mike Trout.

Yes, the best player in baseball that just so happens to be from South Jersey and who grew up a fan of Philadelphia’s teams. With the Angels once again ticketed for another year without postseason play, Fox Sports’ MLB crew–Ken Rosenthal, Kevin Burkhardt, Frank Thomas and Alex Rodriguez—discussed Trout’s future in Los Angeles.

With the best player in baseball only under contract for two more seasons, the subject of a possible trade this winter came up. Thomas offered his take, including specifically bringing the Phillies into the conversation.

“Can he go to Philly, where you can rob the cupboard and get four, five great prospects, very talented players for Mike Trout–take him home?

“I wouldn’t trade him,” Thomas continued. “But it could happen.”

MLB predictions

If this was a conversation around possible Trout destinations, it wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy. The Phillies have money, a good farm system and a need for high-end talent to add to an already rising team. Any conversation around a Trout trade would include Philadelphia, the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and a handful of other teams.

But Thomas went out his way to single out the Phillies, perhaps a signal that the Hall of Famer believes something actually could go down between the teams if Trout is put on the block.

Trout, 27, owns a .305/.456/.654 slash line this season.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.