The Angels have had two of the most talented players in the world on their team for the past six years in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Despite their presence, the team has struggled to compete and Ohtani has now joined the Dodgers. This has led to speculation about whether the Angels will rebuild or if Trout will request a trade.
Earlier in the offseason, general manager Perry Minasian addressed the possibility of a rebuild, stating that it was not the direction the team would be taking. Today, Trout spoke to the media, including Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register and Sam Blum of The Athletic, sharing his perspective on the situation. He expressed his belief that asking for a trade would be taking the easy way out.
Trout emphasized his loyalty to the team, stating that he wants to win a championship with the Angels. He finds greater satisfaction in the overall goal of winning a championship or making it to the playoffs than in giving up and seeking an easier path. While he acknowledged that things may change in the future, he currently remains committed to the team.
Trout is under contract with the Angels until 2030, earning $35.45MM annually and possessing full no-trade protection. There has been speculation about whether he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to increase his chances of postseason success, but he indicated that his focus is on the present and he cannot predict what the future holds.
Despite having Trout and Ohtani on their roster, the Angels have struggled over the past six years. Both players have faced injuries, making it rare for them to be healthy and productive at the same time. The team has not had a winning season since 2015, and their last playoff appearance and victory were in 2014 and 2009, respectively.
The Angels currently find themselves in a state of uncertainty. Owner Arte Moreno has expressed the intention to lower the team’s payroll this year. However, Trout has been advocating for the signing of top free agents to improve the team’s chances of success. He believes that there are players who want to join the Angels and that it would be beneficial to have them on the team. While he did not mention specific names, there are several notable free agents still available.
Last year, the Angels had an Opening Day payroll of $212MM, but this year it is projected to be $173MM, with a competitive balance tax figure of $188MM. It remains unclear how much flexibility the team has for significant signings, given Moreno’s comments about lowering the payroll.
Trout has remained a productive player, although his playing time has decreased in recent years due to injuries. Despite this, his performance at the plate has remained strong. However, there are concerns about his age and durability as he enters his 30s. Even if he were to request a trade in the future, the Angels would likely have to absorb some of his contract in order to facilitate a deal.
As of now, Trout remains with the Angels. Their ability to compete without Ohtani and with a lower payroll is uncertain. The team has made moves to strengthen their bullpen but has done little to address their rotation or lineup. They face tough competition in their division, including the reigning-champion Rangers, the perennially successful Astros, and the well-rounded Mariners. If the Angels once again fall short of contention, questions about the future of Trout’s relationship with the team will continue to arise.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com