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Angels' Mike Trout focusing on long-term health and open to changing positions in outfield
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    Angels’ Mike Trout focusing on long-term health and open to changing positions in outfield

    Coming off a lost season, where Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout underwent two surgeries to repair two different meniscus tears in his left knee, the three-time AL MVP is looking for ways to be on the field more in the coming years.

    The 33-year-old only managed to play 29 games in 2024, and has only taken the field for more than 100 contests once since winning MVP in 2019.

    Trout suffered the first tear in his knee during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 29 and underwent surgery on May 3. He started a rehab assignment on July 23, but only played in one game at triple-A before feeling discomfort in his knee, which ultimately ended up being another tear of the repaired meniscus. He had his second surgery on Aug. 7.

    With the Angels well out of playoff contention at 60-89, Trout met with reporters, including MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger, on Monday, to discuss the upcoming off-season, his recent return to baseball activities and ways the 11-time All-Star can extend his career.

    “I think there’s definitely going to be some conversations in the off-season,” Trout said about a potential position change. “It’s reality. I know I have a certain amount of years on my deal, and I knew when I signed my contract, I’d eventually move to a corner. But is it next year? I don’t know. But we’ll have conversations.”

    Trout hasn’t played a defensive position other than centre field since 2013 when he lined up for 356.0 innings in left. Since then, he’s logged just under 10,000 innings in centre.

    “I think everything’s on the table,” Trout said. “Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter’s box, in the field every single day. Whether that’s moving to a corner or DHing more, I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan.

    “Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there.”

    When he has taken the field over the past few seasons, Trout has mainted his All-Star level at the plate. In 2024, he posted an .867 OPS with 10 home runs and six stolen bases in just 109 at-bats.

    He’s gotten an early start to his off-season, telling reporters that he returned to swinging “about four or five days ago,” and that he’s “trying to get back into a routine, so (he) can have a normal off-season.”

    Trout is currently in the middle of a 12-year, $426.5 million contract that expires after the 2030 season, so maximizing his offensive production as he enters his mid-to-late 30s will be the priority for Los Angeles.

    Over his 14-year MLB career, Trout has suited up for 1,518 games, posting a .299/.410/.581 slash line while smashing 378 home runs, stealing 212 bases and racking up 86.2 WAR — the fifth most of any centre fielder in MLB history.

    Despite the injury history and time away from game action, Angels manager Ron Washington is confident that Trout will be able to maintain his star status when he makes his return.

    “Mike Trout is Mike Trout,” Washington told reporters Monday. “If he’s healthy, he will show you what he can do. I’ve never seen work ethic like his and how well he does what he does out there. And that’s the reason why he’s won three MVPs.

    “So even the Mike Trout today, he can still do things that other people can’t do.”

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    Angels’ superstar outfielder Mike Trout is known for his incredible talent on the baseball field, but recently he has been making headlines for his focus on long-term health and willingness to change positions in the outfield.

    Trout, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in baseball, has been vocal about the importance of taking care of his body in order to prolong his career. In a recent interview, Trout emphasized the need to prioritize his health and well-being, stating that he wants to be able to play at a high level for as long as possible.

    One way Trout is looking to protect his long-term health is by being open to changing positions in the outfield. While he has primarily played center field throughout his career, Trout has expressed a willingness to move to a corner outfield position if it means reducing wear and tear on his body.

    This willingness to adapt and evolve as a player is a testament to Trout’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to staying healthy for the long haul. By being open to change and putting his health first, Trout is setting himself up for continued success on the baseball field.

    In addition to his focus on long-term health, Trout’s willingness to change positions also speaks to his team-first mentality. Despite being a perennial MVP candidate and one of the most talented players in the game, Trout is always willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

    As Trout continues to excel on the field and prioritize his health off the field, fans can expect to see him continue to be a dominant force in Major League Baseball for years to come. With his combination of talent, work ethic, and team-first attitude, Trout is truly a special player who is setting the standard for excellence in the game of baseball.