July 17th, 2023 at 10:00 am 
by 0799291000348 It would be a true blockbuster deal! Crosstown (but geographically incorrectly named) antagonists making a trade-deadline transaction that would be remembered for decades – or longer – as ‘The Trade.’
The Dodgers would immediately become heavy favorites to win the 2023 World Series – and 2024, 2025… while the Angels position themselves to finally become a contender for the American League pennant for the next five years – or more.
It would be costly for the Dodgers, as they send seven players to the Angels: centerfielder James Outman, super utility Chris Taylor, along with five of their current top seven prospects: pitchers Ryan Pepiot and Gavin Stone, first baseman Michael Busch, outfielder Andy Pages, and catcher Diego Cartaya.
Angels fans should be ecstatic with the haul of talented players moving 32 miles down the I-5, but there would likely be angst in place of ecstasy as they say good-bye to one of the most talented baseball players in the world.
No, the Dodgers are not mortgaging their future to trade for a few-month rental of Shohei Ohtani. Instead, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman makes this mega-trade for future Hall of Fame centerfielder Mike Trout. With Ohtani likely leaving via free agency at season’s end, Trout waives his no-trade clause in order to play for the Dodgers, who immediately become World Champion favorites now and for the foreseeable future.
By including the prorated salaries of Outman and Taylor (~ $5.3M) for Trout’s prorated contract (~ $11.8M), the Dodgers are still in position to take on additional pitching this season while avoiding the max tax penalty threshold of $273M.
And the Dodgers could still purse Ohtani in free agency by replacing Austin Barnes ($3.5M), David Peralta ($6.5M), Daniel Hudson ($6.5M), J.D. Martinez ($10M), Max Muncy ($13M), Noah Syndergaard ($13M), Blake Treinen ($8M), and possibly Clayton Kershaw ($20M) with first year players in 2024.
A dream trade?
Yes. I had that dream last night.
Is a Mike Trout trade to Dodgers possible?
Yes.
Is it probable?
No.
But it is a trade that would immediately makes both teams better and perhaps give the Angels an edge in re-signing Ohtani to a long term contract extension.
Someone pinch me!
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Fun stuff, Jesse, although VERY unlikely – but LOVE the wishful thinking!
Way less for Arenado and Cards closer
Pepiot Stone Busch H Feduch Vargas.
Remember Bauer is off the books next yr as well. Can use this 💰 plus some more 💰 to bring back Urias.
Great point!
Especially now that it appears that Urias will be cheaper than originally thought.
Brilliant idea.
I’m taking credit for it for those who don’t read your newsletter.
Kidding , of course, but still very intriguing. And very creative.
Might work out for the Dodgers if Trout could stay healthy. Would be great to unload Taylor.
lol taylor heard you he hit a grand slam in todays game
Love this for the Dodgers, but no way Angels trade an all-time great for fringe prospects. This only happens if Dodgers send back Bobby Miller as the centerpiece.
Remember that it is a dream — not even to the level of supposition, let alone rumor. Haha.
Even though it was meant as a tongue-in-cheek, fun piece, I think Pepiot, Stone, Busch, Pages, and Cartaya as much better than “fringe” prospects and Outman already has a 1.7 WAR with 106 wRC+ and rated as a well above average defensive centerfielder (Fangraphs)
What I can’t understand is why the Dodgers would give up 3 top 100 prospects for a rental that DHs 4 out of 5 days or 5 out of 6 days when we already have a right handed dh who made the all-star team.
Speaking of Ohtani ofcourse
Please no Scherzer either.
Another reason not to trade for Ohtani
This is not going to happen. Ohtani is leaving the Angels after the season via free agency if he’s not traded first, so I don’t think the Angels would part with their other “franchise player” at the same time. And from the Dodgers point of view, let’s face it — Trout’s best years are behind him. His last great year was 2019 which was four years ago. Since then, he’s been a shadow of his former self and is currently on the IL for what seems like the millionth time in his career. There’s no way any other team would take on the amount of money the Angels still owe Trout, in return for the type of (good, but not great) player that Trout is today.
You nailed it LA.
Absolutely stupid trade for Dodgers. Why trade for a player who is hurt more than he plays. Love Trout but you gut your farm system in the process. Does Trout pitch I don’t think so?
I wouldn’t trade prospects for Shohei unless he was to sign on the day of the trade.Plus you don’t have to trade all the top prospects maybe one or two then include multiple mid level players the Dodgers have deep farm system, and a veteran or two.Maybe they should include Trout in deal and take a majority if not all his contract $ and defer his contract like Bobby Bonilla this would entice Shohei to sign having a familiar face join him plus Trout is no slouch this might sway Mr.Moreno to trade w/the Dodgers it would be a win win for all involved,the Angels get Trout’s money off the books and a larger return of players,the Dodgers get Shohei,Trout (who would immediately contend for a WS ring),and they don’t part w/ a majority of top talent prospects.
Dodgers should trade Freeman, Betts, Smith, Graterol, Urias, Phillips, Cartaya, Busch, Stone while taking on the first 6 players mentioned salaries(after extensions of course) dodgers get Trout and Ohtani with an $80m salary for Ohtani and taking on Trouts full contract. Not an unfair deal at all, think the Dodgers get the better end of the trade
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If the Angels can receive all that from the Dodgers. It’s a must do! Then trade Othani to Tampa who can quite possibly give up Springs,Rasmussen and some young hitting talent, I believe the Angels will be heading into a very strong future, with money to spend.
Thanks to all who responded to my “dream” trade — some may prefer to describe it as a nightmare. Meant to be a fun piece as we get closer to the trade deadline. Working on something that may (or may not) be more likely. Love kibitzing with fellow Dodgers fans — GO DODGERS!
Ohtani please stay with Angels fabulousegel’s you and Trout and Moustasis are on track for world series
WAY too much AND take on another long term contract? Never do that trade, UNLESS Ohtani is included and stays. Keep dreaming though. Surprised you didn’t throw in Urias and the Catman!
That’s what it would take to acquire Trout, not merely prospects! I’d ask for Will Smith, Phillips, Miller, Stone, and Vargas. I’d include Rendon to get his contract off if the Dodgers would agree!