Mike Trout address inevitable trade rumors ahead of MLB All-Star game: ‘My decision’

PHILADELPHIA –– As Mike Trout sat down before reporters at MLB’s All-Star Game Media Day event on Monday afternoon, it only took two minutes for an inevitable query to be raised.

Would the South Jersey native and childhood Phillies fan, who is expected to receive a raucous ovation as the American League’s leadoff hitter for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, ever want to one day leave the Angels to play for his hometown team?

“I didn’t think I was gonna hear this question today,” he quipped. “I hear this a lot.”

Alas, even against such a personally sentimental backdrop, the three-time MVP didn’t drop his guard.

As he has to virtually every trade-related question he has fielded in recent years, he quickly turned to his go-to, noncommittal answer.

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“I’m an Angel,” he said. “I got a no-trade clause.”

“It’s obviously my decision,” he added when the topic came up again later in his scrum. “But I’m with the Angels. That’s where it’s at.”

Of course, if Trout ever were to consider leaving the rudderless Angels –– with whom he remains under contract through 2030 –– the Phillies would figure to be near the top of his desired wishlist.

His love for the city was evident Monday, as he relished the opportunity to play an All-Star Game in the same stadium he grew up coming to as a kid from nearby Millville, N.J.

“It’s always special coming back here,” he said. “A lot of family, a lot of friends, being so close. It’s where I grew up. I was cheering these guys on when I was a kid. So it’s cool to be able to play in the stadium.”

He even made a pitch for LeBron James to join the 76ers, joking the NBA star would be free to play golf at Trout’s nearby course in New Jersey whenever he wants.

“It means a lot,” Trout said of his connection to the city. “I grew up a Phillies fan, Eagles fan, Sixers fan. I know how passionate they are about their sports teams. I go to Eagles games, I cheer for the Eagles. I know. So it means a lot. I appreciate them.”

That’s why simply getting here was a meaningful accomplishment for the soon-to-be 35-year-old three-time MVP, who missed the past two All-Star Games amid injury-plagued campaigns before bouncing back this year with 18 home runs and an .863 OPS.

“I circled that Philadelphia All-Star Game on my list, for sure,” he said. “The last couple years have been tough for me, battling injuries. But to be able to come back and feel good and be able to start in center and lead off, it’s gonna be a cool moment for me and my family.”

Still, when the idea of actually playing for the Phillies (who, this year, do have a need in the outfield) arose, Trout declined to engage in the speculation, instead citing another of his childhood icons.

“I was a big Jeter fan growing up,” he said. “He was with one team his whole career.”

For now, despite his love for Philadelphia and the Angels’ ongoing incompetence, Trout hasn’t given up on doing the same.