The Los Angeles Angels have had a dreadful season in 2024. Without Shohei Ohtani, the team has floundered to a 48-63 record to date.
They also have once again been forced to play without one of their top stars in former MVP Mike Trout. He is out for the season with a torn meniscus.
In his latest column on USA Today, Bob Nightengale gave a hot take on the injured outfielder.
"Can we please stop the discussion that Mike Trout should be traded to a contender?" Nightengale wrote. "The cruel reality is that Trout has no real trade value, not after missing 382 games since 2021 and with $232 million left on his contract."
Trout's trade value has certainly taken a hit. As Nightengale points out, the veteran slugger has a lot of money left on his contract and he has missed several games over the years.
At this point, a contending team likely will not be interested in acquiring him. Sadly, Trout has fallen far since his MVP days. He has been the American League's MVP three times, but injuries have taken their toll on him.
The 32-year-old slugger's performance also hasn't been quite where it once was. He took just 109 at-bats this season prior to his injury, hitting .220 with 10 home runs, 14 RBI, and an .866 OPS.
When healthy, Trout can still be one of the game's top players, but injuries have taken their toll, and his decline has been rapid.
More MLB: Mike Trout injury update: Angels star ruled out for season with another meniscus tear
