September 26th, 2023 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Although it was more wishful thinking than anything else, it appears that superstar outfielder Mike Trout won’t be dawning a Dodgers uniform next season … or ever.
On Monday evening it was being widely reported on social media that the extremely popular 32-year-old Vineland, NJ native and Anaheim Angels of Anaheim’s first round draft pick in 2009 out of Millville High School in Millville, NJ would be remaining with the current (and seemingly perennial) AL West fourth place Angels for the duration of his current MLB record 12-year/$426.5M contract (which runs through the 2030 season), this despite widespread rumors that he would demand a trade with Angels owner Arte Moreno, seeking to play for a legitimate contender.
“I go through this every year,” Trout told LA Times‘ Sarah Valenzuela and other reporters on Monday. “There’s private conversations I have with Arte and (Angels team president) John (Carpino). And like I said, I’m doing the same thing I did the last, what, 13 years? Going into the offseason, clearing my mind and getting ready for Spring and wearing an Angels uniform in Spring.
“I got seven years left on the contract. I know there’s a lot of speculation out there. Nothing’s changed,” Trout added.
(ESPN)
The news out of Orange County wasn’t all bleak for Dodger fans. Although also an extreme long shot, the MLB Trade Rumors piece hinted that fellow Angels future Hall of Famer Shohei Ohtani was still on the radar of Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, although this, too, is more wishful thinking than anything else. But as Dodgers – and baseball – fans have come to know, you should never say never with Andrew Friedman; the man considered by many to be the very best in the business.
Stay tuned…
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I very much doubt Andrew Friedman will commit the Dodgers with a long term, huge contract for Shohei Ohtani though I think it’s likely he’ll offer him a very high AAV contract for fewer years.
If Ohtani has his mind set on only the Dodgers (not likely) he may consider it while he can’t yet pitch. If he’s got his mind set on the West coast (more likely) he may well consider the Giants or Mariners. But if his mind is set on best probability of a chance to win the World Series no matter where he may consider the Yankees.
I doubt the Dodgers get him though I admit I’d be excited to see what he could do for this team.
My guess, Dodgers offer Ohtani a huge signing bonus, the highest AAV in MLB ($45M???) plus incentives based on on innings pitched each season that could add an additional $10M. But, I think the SF Giants will outbid everyone.