The Los Angeles Angels front office made it clear on Tuesday that the team wouldn’t be moving star outfielder Mike Trout this offseason. There had been speculation about a potential trade with the Halos possibly looking to give themselves more payroll flexibility.
Not only did the front office shut down any rumors, but they also gave some insight into what their plans with Trout were. Angels general manager Perry Minasian gave thoughts on Trout and confirmed that they won’t be moving him away from the center field spot this coming season.
“Right now, he’s our center fielder,” Minasian said. “He’s had injuries, but I don’t necessarily believe it’s because of playing center field. His hamate injury was not because he was tracking balls in center field. But if we asked Mike to play left, right or even third, he’d do it. It’s about the team and making it as good as it gets. But we haven’t had any discussions.”
Per Perry Minasian via MLB.com
Trout has been one of the better defensive center fielders in the league over his career, but injuries have taken hold of him lately. It has affected his game on the field, and the team in the standings.
Last year, Trout was limited to just 82 games due to another injury. He fractured his left hamate bone in early July and only played one game the rest of the season.
By his insane All-Star standards, he had a down year that most players in the league would strive for. He hit .263 with 18 home runs and 44 runs batted in before his injury.
He remains the most important player to this Angels’ team currently on the roster, and they are planning on building their roster around him once again. Trout can still be the guy for the Halos, especially if Shohei Ohtani does indeed leave, and they are very excited to see how he comes back next season.
