As the season draws to an end, the Los Angeles Angels play for pride, experience for the younger players, and conjecture about Mike Trout’s and the team’s future.

Superstar Shohei Ohtani has generated the most attention, and for good reason—not to mention the amazing statistical season he had in a contract year. With him and Trout, the Angels were unable to make it to the postseason, which extended their losing streak since the two-way player joined the team.

Trout has had incredible on-field success while going through much of the same, missing the playoffs. At age 32, his ailments are getting worse, which makes it difficult for him to remain a consistent player in the lineup.

Although he hasn’t met with the Angels front office yet, which has led to speculation, Trout revealed the purpose of those discussions, according to Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:

Trout remarked, “I go through this every year.” “I have private chats with John and Arte. I continue to do what I have for the past thirteen years. clearing my head, preparing for spring, and donning an Angels uniform as we enter the offseason.

Trout’s announcement that he plans to remain with the Angels is significant given their young squad. At this stage of his career, the return on investment for him wouldn’t be nearly as high as anticipated, but their farm system is among the worst in Major League Baseball.

Mike Trout’s outlook for the next season was optimal.

By putting Trout on the injured list, the Angels essentially ended his season. He’ll have to wait until Spring Training to see whether he can develop a little rhythm with game speed, which was hoped for.

While Trout’s 82-game appearance total in 2023 was disappointing, he was quite effective while he was on the field. Of his 18 home runs, 44 RBI, 54 runs scored, and 857 on-base plus slugging showed signs of his former self.

But the pressure after his hamate fracture surgery was too great for him to recover completely.