Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder and three-time AL MVP Mike Trout has voiced his commitment to staying with the team despite ongoing trade speculations and recent injury setbacks.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Trout addressed the swirling rumors surrounding his future with the Angels.
“I go through this every year,” Trout remarked when questioned about his commitment to the team. “There are private conversations I have with (owner) Arte (Moreno) and (president) John (Carpino).”
“Like I said, I’m doing the same thing I did the last, what? Thirteen years. Going into the offseason, (I’m) clearing my mind and getting ready for spring and wearing an Angels uniform next spring.”
Mike Trout spoke with reporters earlier today about his plans going into 2024. pic.twitter.com/Ki77HhzD9U
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 26, 2023
Trout’s statement comes amidst reports suggesting that the Angels would entertain trade offers for the star outfielder if he were to request a trade.
This speculation has arisen as fellow Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani approaches free agency at the end of the 2023 season.
“I got seven years left on the contract,” Trout added. “I know there’s a lot of speculation out there … Like I said, I come in after every year, sit back two-to-three weeks, enjoy (time) with my family, clear my mind, and then have a conversation with the front office. Nothing’s changed.”
Trout’s 2023 season was marred by a hand and wrist injury that limited the 11-time All-Star to just one game after July 3.
The injury occurred when Trout fractured his hamate bone in his left wrist in early July. Although he made a brief return on August 22, he found himself back on the injured list just two days later.
The Angels ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the season last Sunday.
For the season, Trout has played in only 82 games, posting a slash line of .263/.367/.490 with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs.
These limitations have been a recurring theme for Trout over the past few years, with the 32-year-old outfielder logging just 237 games over the last three seasons due to multiple injuries.
The Angels playoff drought since 2014 remains a significant point of concern. In his entire career, Trout has only experienced postseason play on three occasions.
Do you think he should request a trade and join a contender?
(It seems like the Angels might even prefer that he does.)
Or do you understand and appreciate his loyalty to trying to win in Anaheim? (Although that looks quite bleak, doesn’t it?)