The Los Angeles Angels tried to transition outfielder Mike Trout to proper discipline in 2025 in an try to maintain him wholesome for a full season. A bone bruise to his left knee led to Trout turning into the Angels’ main designated hitter, although he obtained occasional enjoying time within the outfield.
That could be a brief change. Rhett Bollinger from MLB.com reported that the Angels are contemplating shifting Trout again to heart.
Shifting Trout again to heart could also be a matter of necessity. The Angels used Jo Adell as their main heart fielder in 2025, which proved to be a catastrophe defensively. FanGraphs rated Adell as the worst center fielder in the majors with a minimal of 250 innings on the place final yr as he value the Angels 13 runs. Bryce Teodosio was higher defensively, saving seven runs, however produced a mediocre .203/.248/.304 batting line in his 138 plate appearances.
Los Angeles Angels placing Mike Trout again in heart a brief answer
Regardless of lacking a month as a result of bone bruise, Trout appeared in 130 video games, his highest complete since 2019. Trout additionally had what might arguably be thought-about his worst season within the majors since a 40-game cameo in 2011, posting a .232/.359/.439 batting line with 26 homers and 14 doubles over his 556 plate appearances.
Trout might not be the reply in heart in 2026 even when his sturdiness issues are ignored. He value the Angels 4 runs in heart between 2021 and 2024 as his protection began to slip. His final recreation in heart got here on April 29, 2024, practically two years from Opening Day on March 26, 2026. At 34 years previous, Trout shouldn’t be getting any faster, particularly with the damage and tear on his physique.
Even when Trout is ready to deal with heart bodily in 2026, he could also be a brief answer. Outfield prospect Nelson Rada reached Triple-A as a 19-year-old and greater than held his personal with a .323/.433/.416 batting line over 201 plate appearances whereas stealing 20 bases. If Rada can proceed to carry out effectively at Triple-A in 2026, he might discover himself within the majors sooner somewhat than later. In that case, Trout might both return to proper discipline or the DH spot, enhancing the possibilities he can keep wholesome within the upcoming season.
