Mike Trout is now in his 13th year with the Los Angeles Angels, and in that time he’s made the playoffs just one time back in 2014, a fact which doesn’t sit well with the three-time MVP.
The 31-year-old has amassed an 82.4 WAR in 12 seasons, good for 60th all-time. The Angels have largely failed the model player in Major League Baseball in putting a team around him built to withstand a 162-game schedule and to perform at a level that can compete.
Injuries, failed signings, and unforeseen circumstances are on the list of errors within the organization, but heading into this season general manager Perry Minasian has given them a legitimate reason to have hope. However, the past looms large and sticks with Trout, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“It’s definitely left a sour taste in my mouth, the last few years, not being out there all the time and not winning and getting into the playoffs,” Trout said. “I’m in my 30s now, so it’s time. With the way Perry and the front office constructed this team this offseason, getting a lot better, it’s definitely a sign in the right direction. We’re a good team.”
The Angels will need to do whatever they can to retain Ohtani, and on paper, Minasian did a fantastic job to build on the edges and putting a team around his two stars that appear capable of making a run.
But the fact remains that as a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger, and former Major League Player of the Year, Trout needs a team around him built to get the franchise to the next level, and in a division with the defending World Series champs.
Mike Trout represents Angels well in WBC
Team USA’s run in the World Baseball Classic was fueled by timely hitting and a mixture of solid contributions from their laundry list of star players, mainly Trout, whose clutch hits during pool play pushed them on through to the bracket rounds.
In seven games Trout posted a .296/.406/.556 slash including one homer and seven RBI to go along with five walks. The USA captain had a few missed opportunities with runners in scoring position, but his presence in two-hole provided manager Mark DeRosa with one of the best players in the sport.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
