With all the attention on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado this offseason, Phillies fans haven't forgotten about Mike Trout.
Mike Trout on #Phillies Free agent search: ‘I didn't go a day this winter without someone asking, ‘When you coming to Philly.' I can't predict the future.'— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2019
A few things stand out here. It's clear that, despite all the distractions and the fact that Trout is not a free agent, Phillies fans won't rest until he's playing in red pinstripes. Also, Trout keeps leaving the door open, if even slightly, to that possibility.
A native of Millville, New Jersey, Trout, as many of you know, is very public with his cheering interests in the Eagles and Sixers. But despite the Harper saga, it's Trout that Phillies fans would choose above anyone else. Could it happen someday?
Mike Trout declined to comment on any potential contract negotiations with the Angels. Said he likes where he's at, and said he wants to win. Said he feels they haven't been far off.— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 18, 2019
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Trout is a professional with everything he does and hasn't said much to make me believe that he sees a long-term future in Los Angeles past his current contract, which runs through the end of the 2020 season. If you think things were crazy this offseason, imagine what it would be like with Trout on the market.
Never say never to Trout coming home to play for the Phillies. He certainly seems to be keeping his options open and his tune remains consistent, even with this interview from 2017.
So you're telling me there's a chance?
Come home, Mike. pic.twitter.com/4oxjXRKF7c— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 3, 2017
Come home, Mike. Maybe Bryce will be here, too.
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