One of the biggest questions that has popped up this offseason regarding the Phillies: Is it time for them make a serious offer for Angels outfielder Mike Trout? Joe Giglio says yes.
"There's risk attached, he's not the player he was five years ago," Giglio admitted on Friday's 94WIP Midday Show. "I still believe there are some good years left in Mike Trout. I don't believe it is over. I think some of the injuries he's had have been a little bit fluky...I look at it like this, he is still...when healthy, I still believe he is a top 10 player in baseball. And here's why I want to bring him in more than anything else, I think the player he still is, is exactly the player the Phillies need. Maybe not in center field anymore, maybe he goes to left field, but he still will be a tremendous defensive player. That helps the Phillies, they need more of that.
"And when you look at this offense, he doesn't swing and miss a lot. He's the guy they're missing...He is a grinder. He is a tremendous offensive player. He still can hit. He doesn't chase at the plate."
Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said this week that Harper will be the first baseman moving forward, meaning Rhys Hoskins' time in Philadelphia is all but over. Also, MLB.com reported that the Phillies are open to trading outfielder Nick Castellanos.
94WIP's Howard Eskin also reported that the Phillies are unlikely to re-sign Aaron Nola, largely due to his price tag.
Back in March of 2019, Bryce Harper said on 94WIP that he would certainly give Trout a call.
Trout is under contract for the next seven years at $34.45 million per season.
Trout, 32, has not played more than 119 games in a season since 2019 and has averaged just 72 games played per season over the last four years (290 games played).
Last season, Trout missed 49 days with a fractured hamate. In 2022, he missed 35 days with a back injury and he missed another 139 days in 2021 with a calf injury.
However, when healthy, Trout is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. For his career, the Millville, NJ native slashes .301/.412/.582 with a .994 OPS, averaging 40 home runs, 102 RBI, and 22 steals per season.
Trout, one of the most famous Eagles season ticket holders, is a three-time AL MVP and an 11-time All-Star.