THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
Eagles fan Mike Trout continues to rebuff Philly, insists he wants to win in Anaheim
Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/sc7bz8ve
Originally published July 15, 2026
PHILADELPHIA — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, a 12-time All-Star, is a staple on the Eagles’ sidelines whenever possible.
The 34-year-old native of Millville, N.J., is a season-ticket holder eager to see the Birds’ new offense after they brought in coordinator Sean Mannion and made some other staff and personnel changes.
“I am, I am,” Trout said Tuesday night outside the American League clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park. “You know, it’s crazy, I was talking to Coop (All-Pro nickel cornerback Cooper DeJean) yesterday. They start up in like two weeks. The offseason is short. I’m just happy they’re starting up.”
The Eagles open training camp July 28. On May 1, Topps released a “Finest Fan” NFL trading card featuring Trout in Eagles garb. The future baseball Hall of Famer grew up a die-hard fan of all the Philly teams, but especially the Birds and Phillies.
He pitched and played shortstop for Millville Senior High School and threw a no-hitter against Egg Harbor Township as a junior in 2008.
In 2007 and 2008, Trout played in the Phillies’ Carpenter Cup tournament — the franchise’s regional showcase of high school stars from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware — with the Tri-Cape team. In ‘08, he homered at CBP and made a memorable diving stab at short.
The Angels drafted him 25th overall the following year after he switched to center field.
“I look back on a lot of things. … It’s special on this field to be back,” Trout said. “I feel like I’ve come full circle.”
Trout, who has been beset by injuries in recent years, received a thunderous ovation from the hometown crowd when he was introduced at the All-Star Game — as soon as his silhouette appeared inside a Liberty Bell-shaped entryway to the field for starting players.
“I’m just happy for him, making it back (from injuries) in the place where he grew up,” said Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who gave an impromptu on-field hug to Trout. “Once in a generational player.”
Trout led off for the American League playing center but ended up going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. This season, mostly healthy so far, he’s hitting just .237 but with 18 homers, 39 RBIs and an .863 OPS.
Trout’s legacy as a player is sealed. Right now he’s a lifetime .291 hitter with 422 home runs, 1,057 RBIs, .566 slug, .971 OPS, 1,254 runs scored and 221 stolen bases. He’s a five-tool player who, in his prime, was the modern incarnation of Mickey Mantle.
He’s still pretty damn good when healthy.
Trout, one of the best right-handed bats ever and the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year, has three AL MVP awards, nine AL Silver Slugger awards (for best offensive player at his position) and two AL Hank Aaron awards (for best hitter). Despite not owning any Gold Gloves, he has consistently been a finalist with his superb defense.
“He was my favorite player growing up,” Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “Everything about the way he played the game — I tried to model myself after him.
“Just getting to share the field with him is pretty special.”
Unfortunately for Trout and baseball fans everywhere, one of the greatest players of all time has often gone unseen because the Angels are usually irrelevant in the standings and play on the West Coast in the shadow of the well-run Dodgers. Such an oversight has only fueled speculation that Trout would (and should) eventually come home to play for the Phillies.
He owns a home down the road from his parents in Millville and built the highly exclusive Trout National golf course — designed by Tiger Woods — in neighboring Vineland.
But Trout’s best seasons seem to be behind him and he has 4½ years remaining on a hefty contract that pays him $37.1 million annually.
Also, he seems content in Anaheim — loyal to the franchise that drafted him, that has committed half a billion dollars to him — and he has refused to waive his no-trade clause. He said he’ll discuss the Angels’ future plans with interim general manager John Mozeliak at some point soon.
The Angels, under longtime owner Artie Moreno, haven’t fielded a winning team in 11 years. Trout has played in the postseason just once (2014), going 1-for-12 with a solo home run and three walks.
Mozeliak, the team’s third GM during Trout’s tenure, has said the prized outfielder will never be dealt to the Phillies.
This is the same organization that let international two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani move up the I-5 in free agency to join the Dodgers after standing pat at the 2023 trade deadline.
Does Mike Trout want to win?
“The easy way out is just to ask for a trade,” Trout has repeatedly said. “But when I signed that contract, I’m loyal. I want to win a championship here (in Anaheim). … I want to win. It would mean more to win here than somewhere else that’s already won. That’s my goal. That’s why I’m here.”
OK. But even assuming the Angels prioritize winning (which they promised Trout when he signed his current deal), there’s no recent evidence suggesting they’re even competent enough to build a contending roster.
“I have a no-trade clause, so ultimately it’s up to me,” Trout said. “I’m with the Angels.”
He’ll still be at the Linc on Eagles gamedays.
Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.