The Asti Grape Stompers are currently planning to release outfielder Mike Trout (2/$58) according to sources. The club is faced with a $58 second year option on Trout who also played for the Grapes in 2013 and 2014.
Trout has earned a combined $608 over ten seasons of RDBL play, completing each of the three previous contracts in full. If released, it will be the first time the future Hall of Famer has been cut in RDBL History.
It was another season marred by injury for the three-time American League MVP in 2023 for the Grapes. Trout managed to stay healthy for most of the first half before he suffered a fractured wrist in early July, and he'd appear in just one contest the rest of the way. He ended up playing in only 82 games, while his .263/.367/.490 slash line is the worst of his career in all three categories since his debut campaign in 2011. The 32-year-old still hit 18 homers and walked at a 12.7 percent clip, but his strikeout rate remained high at 28.7 percent. Trout also continued to square up the ball consistently with a 16.0 percent barrel rate and 51.5 percent hard-hit rate, both of which would rank near the top of the league among qualified hitters.
Trout has played in more than 85 percent of the Angels' games just twice over the past seven seasons, with one of those instances being the shortened 2020 campaign. The durability concerns aren't going anywhere with Trout on the wrong side of 30, but he'll still be a clear difference maker for fantasy managers in 2024 if he's able to play even 120 games, which seems close to the best-case scenario given he hasn't reached that mark since 2019.
His market is likely to exceed $40 in Auction, but the days of a $50+ contract might be behind him unless Trout can put together multiple healthy seasons.
Around the RDBL
The San Mateo Oppo Tacos continue to shop outfielder Juan Soto (2/$65) who is drawing strong interest, but the contract size continues to be a sticking point according to sources. That has led teams to try and lure GM Erik Nielsen into attaching a young asset with Soto to a deal with Josh Jung (2R/$3) being the most frequently mentioned. Nielsen has no plans to move Jung after his standout Rookie campaign and currently plans to retain Soto for the 2024 Season if they can't strike a deal before Draft Day.
With Walker Buehler (2D/$5) set to get a late start to the 2024 season (per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts), the Stacks are leaning towards retaining right-hander Bryan Woo (2FA/$5) according to sources. Woo, who turns 24 on Jan. 30, made 18 starts after being called up from Class AA in early June, with a 4.21 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 31 walks over 87.2 innings.
Despite not being considered a top prospect, Honolulu Hammerheads right-hander Kutter Crawford managed to carve out a niche for himself through his consistent and impressive performances in 2023 which has GM Ross Horiuchi giving him a long look for his rotation. Crawford began the season in the bullpen, but his skill and tenacity soon earned him a spot in the starting rotation. Over 129.1 innings, he posted a 4.04 ERA, ranking second among starting pitchers with 2.5 wins above replacement. Crawford could slot in behind Tanner Bibee, Chris Sale, Brandon Pfaadt and Reese Olson with Bailey Ober (2FA/$5) likely his biggest competition for a spot.
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