With hitters reporting to spring training camp before the season opens next month, Los Angeles Angels veterans Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon made some fascinating remarks on Monday regarding their futures and objectives, respectively.

In December 2019, after winning a World Series with the Washington Nationals, Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels. Despite winning the Silver Slugger twice during his seven seasons with the Nationals, injuries have prevented Rendon from playing more than 58 games in any of his four seasons with the Angels.

Baseball has “never been a top priority for me,” according to Rendon, who said on Monday that his love of the game has not changed over the course of his career.

“This is my job,” Rendon said to the press. “I work here to support myself. My family and my faith come before my career.

Rendon said that having four children and getting married had altered his viewpoint. However, he also made it clear that, despite not being his first focus, baseball still matters.

Yes, it’s definitely a priority, Rendon remarked. “Because I work there.” Yes, I am here, right?

As the Angels rebuild after two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, Trout, an 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP, stated he has no interest in asking for a trade. Trout has only participated in one postseason series.

The 32-year-old Trout inked a $426.5 million, 12-year contract with the Angels in 2019. He has played for the team for his entire 13-year career. The Angels had their seventh straight losing season last year, finishing 73-89. Since the Kansas City Royals swept them in the divisional round of the 2014 playoffs, they have not advanced farther in the postseason.

Trout told reporters, “I think asking for a trade is the easy way out.” “There may come a moment, perhaps. I haven’t given this much thought. I pledged loyalty when I signed the contract. Here, I want to take home a title. Ultimately, there is greater joy in winning a title or making it to the postseason than in giving up or going the easy route. That, I believe, has been my attitude. Perhaps in the future, if certain circumstances alter.

Trout claims that despite Ohtani’s departure to the Dodgers for a $10-year, $700 million contract, he has persisted in pressing owner Arte Moreno and higher management to bring in free agents who can strengthen the Angels.

Trout declared, “I’m going to keep pushing as long as I can.” “Until those guys sign, or until the season begins.” That’s just who I am.