Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout has been the team’s starting center fielder since midway through the 2011 season, when they handed the reigns to their top prospect and he became one of the greatest players the game of baseball has ever seen.
Over the last 13 years, Trout has accomplished an unbelievable amount from that starting center field position. He’s won three MVP awards, nine Silver Slugger awards, a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award and has 11 All-Star selections.
But injuries have derailed the last four years of his no-doubt Hall of Fame career. At the end of 2024, he will have played in only 41.0% of possible games since 2021, appearing in 266 of 648. Injuries to his hand, back, calf and knee have done him in. And now, entering the 2025 season, he has a new goal in mind.
Trout has often rebuffed the idea of a position change, but with the injuries piling up and him entering his age-33 season, he may have to show an openness to playing in a corner outfield spot or as a designated hitter, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“I think there’s definitely going to be some conversations in the offseason,” Trout said. “It’s reality. I know I have a certain amount of years on my deal and I knew when I signed my contract, I’d eventually move to a corner. But is it next year? I don’t know. But we’ll have conversations.
“I think everything’s on the table,” Trout said. “Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter’s box, in the field every single day. Whether that’s moving to a corner or DHing more, I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there.”
The Angels and manager Ron Washington have not explicitly stated that they would ask Trout to make that kind of mive, but it will be a natural part of the conversation on keeping him healthy for an entire season. Center field requires significantly more movement — both lateral and otherwise — than a corner, or especially a DH.
It’s unclear if the Angels are going to try and compete in 2025, but regardless, Trout needs to be able to stay on the field. If they want to win, having their highest-paid player on the field is the only way. If they want to push the chips down the line, a healthy Trout could lead to the facilitation of a trade that helps those chances.
Mike Trout named Roberto Clemente nominee
Trout has been named as the team’s nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, one of MLB’s most prestigious individual honors. The Roberto Clemente Award recognizes the MLB player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.