​PHILADELPHIA − The question surprised Mike Trout, the Angels’ star centerfielder. But really, it shouldn’t have considering that Trout grew up in Millville, New Jersey as a diehard fan of the Philadelphia sports teams.Trout has season tickets to Eagles games, sitting in the first row of the end zone. Unfortunately for Trout, he’s often present for the Eagles’ early-season games because his Los Angeles Angels haven’t made it to the postseason since 2014.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat was Trout’s third full season. Here he is now, in his 16th season, and once again, the Angels’ season will fall far short of the postseason.So, wouldn’t Trout welcome a trade to a team near his hometown to a team that could use a right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup? Trout, it should be noted, is having a resurgent season after injuries derailed much of his past five seasons. The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3, less than three weeks away.Buy Philadelphia Phillies tickets”I didn’t think I was going to hear this question today,” Trout said on July 13 during the All Star Game media day before the Home Run Derby. “I hear this a lot. I enjoy coming to Philly. I’m an Angel, obviously. I got a no-trade clause. So, it’s ultimately my decision. But like I said, I like Philly.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTrout, who is among the American League leaders in home runs with 18, is not the only apple of Phillies’ fans eyes. The Phillies could also address a right-handed outfield bat with the Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton.Like Trout, Buxton has had an injury-filled past. But Buxton is also healthy this season and slugging home runs. He has 25 so far this season.”I’ve been vocal about that,” Buxton said about not being willing to waive his no-trade clause. “So of course, (Minnesota) is where I want to spend my whole career.”1 / 23National League third baseman Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies (28) reacts during the 2024 Home Run Derby July 15, 2024 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.(Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)Taken together, Buxton’s refusal to waive his no-trade clause was much more emphatic than Trout’s. And for Trout, it’s delicate.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs much as Trout is a Phillies fan and could possibly want to play for a team that is on track to reach the postseason for the fifth straight season, he also knows that it would look bad if he were to force his way out of Anaheim, California.After all, Trout, who turns 35 in August, has spent his entire career with the Angels. He has 4 ½ seasons remaining on a 12-year contract worth $426.5 million that runs through 2030, when he’ll be 39.In other words, Trout is in the same age group as Phillies stars like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Buxton, who’s 32 years old, is also in that age group.Trading for one of them could cost the Phillies one of their prized prospects. Think pitcher Gage Wood, who pitched July