The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels have been mentioned alongside each other in the trade deadline rumor mill. The Red Sox have expressed interest in trading for Angels shortstop Zach Neto, who would add serious pop to their lineup, especially at Fenway Park.
Earlier this season, different Boston-Anaheim trade speculation briefly ruled the airwaves. Mike Felger from 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Felger and Mazz" show said he had a "source" (a term he used loosely) that said "don't be surprised if [the Red Sox] end up with Mike Trout."
Fans immediately found this information hard to believe. Not only does Boston have an outfield logjam that could still use clearling (though it's been a relief since Roman Anthony has been injured for so long), but Trout has been famously loyal to the Angels and he hasn't been willing to waive his no-trade clause to be moved elsewhere.
On July 24, amid the surge of Neto rumors, MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed that the Red Sox tried to acquire Trout in the past. He didn't say exactly when Boston pursued the trade, so it could've coincided with Felger's report, although there's no way to be sure.
MLB insider reports that Red Sox have previously expressed interest in trading for Angels' Mike Trout
At first glance, there are a lot of things about Trout as a player and his contract that don't align with the Red Sox's priorities. Again, he's an outfielder and Boston already has more outfielders than it knows what to do with. Trout is also 34 years old and he's been frequently injured throughout his career. The Red Sox have expressed reluctance to pay players over a certain age, likely because of injury-proneness or a chance of regression.
But Trout is right-handed, he can hit for power and he's exactly the type of veteran the Red Sox need to guide their young core into life as established big leaguers. He's also posted a bounce back season to the tune of a .234/.388/.459 slash line, 14 doubles, 18 home runs and 39 RBI through 84 games. His 71 walks are the fourth-best in the league.
There are many factors that would keep Trout out of Boston and his no-trade clause is still probably the most significant among them — the Angels aren't letting him go until he says so, and maybe he never will. Even if he does suddenly become open to a trade, it would be strange to see John Henry's Red Sox end up with him when his age and contract go against so many of their priorities.
Still, Boston coveted him at some point. Maybe the priorities are changing.
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