The Angels Need to Save Mike Trout and Make a Splash at the Trade Deadline to Contend

It's a modern tragedy that rivals anything Shakespeare ever produced. The Los Angeles Angels have the unquestioned best player of the last decade in Mike Trout, but have been unable not only to contend, but to even make the playoffs.

The Angels currently stand at 52-49, 12 games behind the Astros for first place in the AL West and 5.5 games behind the division rival Oakland Athletics for the second Wild Card spot. They've done this with a rotation that, after the injury to Andrew Heaney and the untimely passing of Tyler Skaggs, claims Félix Peña as their most experienced arm.

Well, pitching seems to be the hot topic at the trade deadline, and if the Angels want to show Trout they're serious about building around him, then maybe going after an arm at the deadline would be a wise move.

In years past, Angels ownership could at least use the excuse of a poor farm system as a reason why they never made any trades. However, with players like Jordyn Adams, Brandon Marsh, and No. 4 overall prospect Jo Adell in their system, they have more than enough trade chips to get a deal done.

Trout is signed to a massive 13-year deal, so he's committed to the Halos. Now it's time for the team to show they're committed to getting him the pieces needed to make a postseason run. The playoffs are within reach, and the Angels need to be prepared to make a splash.