Los Angeles Angels Rumored to Pursue Orioles Slugger Ryan Mountcastle, But No Trade Confirmed
A viral headline making the rounds—“Los Angeles Angels Land Orioles Star Slugger Ryan Mountcastle in Jaw-Dropping Trade That Shakes the MLB Landscape!”—has sparked excitement and confusion among Major League Baseball fans. However, despite the sensationalism, there is currently no official confirmation of such a trade taking place between the Los Angeles Angels and the Baltimore Orioles involving Ryan Mountcastle.
Mountcastle, once a standout offensive force for the Orioles, has experienced a down year in 2024. Through 151 at-bats this season, he’s hitting just .232 with 2 home runs and 14 RBIs. His .605 OPS is well below expectations for a player who previously showed considerable power and run-producing potential. This drop in performance, combined with the emergence of top infield prospect Coby Mayo, has reportedly made Mountcastle available on the trade market.
The Orioles, a team with growing young talent and playoff aspirations, are believed to be exploring ways to optimize their lineup, and parting with Mountcastle could be part of that strategy. Several teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers, have been linked to Mountcastle in recent weeks. These teams are either looking to bolster their infield depth or add some power to the middle of their lineup.
However, the Los Angeles Angels have not been prominently featured in trade speculation involving Mountcastle. The Angels, who continue to struggle with consistency and injuries, are in a delicate position themselves. With Shohei Ohtani now a member of the Dodgers and Mike Trout battling recurring injuries, the franchise has been re-evaluating its direction. While acquiring a right-handed bat like Mountcastle could theoretically fit a need, especially with uncertainty around their infield depth, there is no verified reporting to support the claim that such a trade has occurred or is imminent.
The headline appears to be either speculative or deliberately exaggerated to generate clicks and social media engagement. In the current media landscape, it’s not uncommon for trade rumors to be blown out of proportion, especially when they involve recognizable names or underperforming teams. Until reputable sources such as ESPN, MLB Network, or official team announcements confirm a deal, this report should be treated as unsubstantiated.
Still, it’s worth noting that the MLB trade landscape is unpredictable. Teams looking to offload veterans or reshape their roster could execute surprise deals, especially as the trade deadline approaches. The Orioles’ willingness to listen to offers on Mountcastle is confirmed, so while a deal to the Angels hasn’t happened yet, it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility.
For fans eager to see roster shakeups, the best approach is to keep an eye on trustworthy news outlets and official MLB channels. Until then, any dramatic headlines should be approached with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism.
