Overview
- Smith, who spoke Tuesday on ESPN’s First Take, urged Trout to “demand a trade” after the Angels star hit two home runs in a loss to the Yankees.
- Trout followed with another homer in Tuesday’s 7-1 win and helped the Angels go back-to-back-to-back, tying his sixth career instance of three straight teammate homers, an Expansion Era record noted by MLB statistician Sarah Langs.
- Any trade would require Trout’s consent because his 12-year, $426.5 million contract signed in 2019 runs through 2030 and includes a full no-trade clause with no opt-outs.
- Fan reaction featured sharp pushback to Smith’s call on social media, reflecting a long-running split between national voices urging a move and Angels supporters defending Trout’s loyalty.
- The renewed debate follows Trout’s early surge (.895 OPS reported in coverage) and comes against the backdrop of the Angels’ postseason drought since 2014, which fuels questions about his path to October baseball.