Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has been MLB’s best and most consistent offensive performer since entering the league for good in 2012.
Injuries have caught up to him, particularly in 2023, but he remains a top offensive producer in the league and is still just 32.
The team, however, might not be in very good shape in the future.
Shohei Ohtani is a free agent after the season, and if he decides to leave the Angels, Trout will be the only star on a decimated roster with a suspect farm system.
While Ohtani is likely to go somewhere else because the Angels were unable to send him to the postseason in six years (not even once), Trout is under contract for nine more seasons.
The dynamic center fielder signed the largest contract in baseball before the 2019 campaign; a 12-year, $426.5 million pact that made him the face of the franchise together with Ohtani.
Now that Ohtani is likely gone – let’s face it, the odds of him re-signing with the Angels are minimal – what will happen with Trout?
The Angels have implied that if he ever reaches out wanting to be traded, they will try to accommodate his wishes, but they are prepared to move forward with him in the fold.
Speaking with reporters, Trout made his feelings about the situation known, per MLB on FOX.
Mike Trout spoke with reporters earlier today about his plans going into 2024. pic.twitter.com/Ki77HhzD9U
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 26, 2023
The outfielder said he is prepared to do the same thing he has done in the last 13 years: go to the offseason to clear his body and mind, and then return to spring training wearing an Angels uniform.
He can’t say much else since there is still a chance Ohtani returns, and he is under contract as the face of the Angels.
Still, it’s unlikely someone trades for Trout’s enormous contract when his best days are behind him.
That doesn’t mean he can’t still be a difference-maker in MLB, though.
NEXT: Shohei Ohtani's Agent Confirms His 2024 Status
