Angels Players Experience Unusual Golf Outing Amid Trade Deadline

During the MLB season, off days for players are rare occasions. When they come, athletes often make the most of them. For the Los Angeles Angels, August 3, the MLB trade deadline, was one such day. While on the East Coast, the team had a chance to relax at Mike Trout’s private club, Trout National.

The Angels were in a selling mode, with a record of 43-69, making what should have been a stress-free day into a chaotic one. Trout National is a luxurious, $100 million private club in Vineland, New Jersey, near Trout’s hometown. Very few golfers have access to this exclusive venue. Trout hosted a group of teammates, expecting an enjoyable day.

Excitement was high, especially as the course is a Tiger Woods design. However, the pleasant day turned challenging for some players. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, pitchers Ryan Zeferjahn and Brent Suter, as well as outfielder Jo Adell, were traded that day during their rounds.

Suter, who was new to the Angels this season, received his trade call mid-round. He humorously asked if he could finish playing golf. His priority was clear. Fortunately, his request was granted, allowing him a final round before heading to a new team. Reliever Kirby Yates completed his round but later learned in his car that he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zeferjahn, facing a rain delay, discovered his trade to the Chicago Cubs while still on the course. Finding out about a trade on a golf course might not be ideal, but the team members took the news in stride. Amidst the interruptions, the unplanned events added an unusual twist to their day.