Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout not only represented his country in the World Baseball Classic, but he was also the team captain and led his group to the final game.
They lost a closely-contested affair to Japan, 3-2, but the Americans were always worthy competitors and had several chances to win the game.
It all ended when Shohei Ohtani, Trout’s teammate on the Angels, struck him out on a full count with a wicked slider.
Despite the sour ending, Trout fell in love with the WBC and would do it all again if given the chance.
“’Whatever they want, I’m in.’ Mike Trout says he’s already committed to playing for Team USA 2026 in any role,” Talkin’ Baseball tweeted with a clip of a short interview with the Angels star.
“Whatever they want, I’m in”
Mike Trout says he’s already committed to playing for Team USA 2026 in any role pic.twitter.com/Kc0FyMTMw2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 21, 2023
Whether it is to captain the USA side again, or just be part of the roster, Trout is eager to prove America can win the tournament, like they did in 2017.
Trout wasn’t part of that team and came to regret it.
He got to experience an exciting tournament in 2023, and wants to return in 2026 to win it.
For him, doing it against Japan and Ohtani will surely have a sweeter flavor.
“He won round one,” Trout said about Tuesday’s last at-bat.
Two highly competitive guys, Trout and Ohtani are friends and remain on the same boat with the Angels.
The two stars will be tasked with leading the franchise to the playoffs for the first time since 2014, in what is shaping up to be Ohtani’s last season in LA.
Will he elect to stay?
Or will he test free agency?
No one knows as of now.
As for Trout, he will keep working with the Angels and showing the world why he is considered the best player of his generation.
He will be patiently waiting for a chance to get some revenge in the 2026 WBC.
NEXT: Mike Trout Vows To Come Back Stronger In 2026
