Anaheim Angels make Waiver Deadline Trade Splash

It could be said that a Mike Trout team is never desperate. A Mike Trout team; is also never truly out of it. With the Angels less than two games out of the American League Wildcard hunt heading into September; they made a splash today.

The Angels gave up little to acquire Justin Upton and Brandon Phillips. Oddly, they also dealt Cameron Maybin to the Houston Astros. It was an active day for GM Billy Eppler and this really makes for the Angels to have a fun little roster down the stretch.

Despite the missed time and in just 87 games, Mike Trout is having an unbelievable year again. He’s hitting .327 with 27 home runs, 15 steals, a 1.126 OPS and a 6.1 bWAR.

Back in March, we predicted that the Angels would push for the final Al Wildcard spot and Mike Trout would win his third MVP award because of it. We’re getting the feeling that this gutty little team that wins ugly and somehow wins with Mike Trout and 24 bodies is going to hang around until the bitter end with the likes of the Orioles and Twins.

This could be an absolutely epic playoff field if the Angels are facing the Yankees in the Bronx to kick off the postseason and all other teams that would be in if the season ended today remain in the field.