One of the major decisions the Los Angeles Angels have to face this offseason is what they do with superstar center fielder Mike Trout. When healthy, Trout is still one of the best players on the planet. But he hasn’t been healthy in four seasons, now having played a total of 266 games (41.0%) since the start of 2021.
Each season, conversations have grown stronger and stronger about the possibility of the Angels moving Trout to either designated hitter or a corner outfield spot in an effort to preserve his health. But up until now, Trout has rebuked the idea and has stuck in center.
The 2024 offseason is the first time where Trout has shown a willingness to make a positional move if it helps him stay on the field and helps the Angels win games. The Angels have their own decision-making process on this as well. And so far, it seems as though the franchise has a preference for their oft-injured superstar, via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
While making Trout a DH might sound like a step toward keeping him healthy, the Angels aren’t so sure. Trout’s three most recent injuries were left ribcage inflammation in 2022, a left hamate fracture in ’23 and a torn meniscus in his left knee in ’24. Each of those issues stemmed, at least in part, from the act of swinging, club officials believe.
Most DHs use their down time to take additional practice swings. Trout, a perfectionist, almost certainly would, too. Playing corner outfield is not without risk, most notably when players make sudden stops going after balls down the line. But at this point, the Angels seem most comfortable with Trout in left or right.
This line of thinking explains the Angels’ deal for Atlanta Braves DH Jorge Soler. The 2021 World Series MVP can play in the corner outfield, but has transitioned to more of a full-time DH over the last few years, and it appears that’s where the Angels are likely to use him.
Moving Trout to a corner means they would need an every day center fielder, as they don’t necessarily have one on the current roster.
Mike Trout remaining contract details
The Angels are hopeful that Trout can return to being a regular contributor soon, because they still have a massive financial commitment to the star. He is owed $222.7 million over the next six seasons, meaning even finding a trade would be difficult.
