Mike Trout, an All-Star center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, looked around his locker, noticed very few reporters, and laughed.
He declared, “Ohtani must be gone.”
Yes, Shohei Ohtani and the media horde are across town at the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training camp. Trout, though, didn’t sound bitter or jealous—rather, he seemed resigned to the fact that Ohtani will go anyhow.
Although Trout hinted that he might change his mind in the future, he stated on Monday morning that he still wants to be with the Angels.
“I think the easy way out right now is to ask for a trade,” Trout stated. “There may come a moment, perhaps. I haven’t given this much thought. I am devoted, though, since I signed my contract. Here is where I want to win a title.
“Ultimately, I believe that making it to the postseason or winning a championship will bring greater joy than giving up and doing the easy route. That’s how I think, then. Perhaps later on if something changes. However, I’ve been thinking that way ever since the trade rumors surfaced.”
With a full no-trade clause, Trout signed a $360 million deal in 2019. The Angels would notify teams if he wanted out, but they never had a single trade conversation. After the 2030 season, Trout, 32, will not be able to sign a free agent contract.
He clarified that there are no set of requirements that would compel him to formally request a trade, even though he might change his mind.
Trout remarked, “I mean, I can’t predict the future.” As I mentioned, that’s how I’ve been thinking. I believe that the cumulative effect of missing the playoffs, and the ultimate moment when that occurs, is more significant than my desire to just leave the area.
“The overall relationship with everybody in this clubhouse, in this organization is great, but if things change, and people feel a different way, then then we’ll go from there.”
Shohei Ohtani’s departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers undoubtedly hurt the Angels’ chances of making the postseason. The Angels owner, Arte Moreno, declined to take on the $680 million in deferrals when presented with the opportunity to match the Dodgers’ 10-year, $700 million contract. Angels officials believe Ohtani would have returned if the Angels had accepted the deal.
“I kind of had a pretty good idea, my gut feeling it was going to be the Dodgers,” said Trout. “I’m only glad for him. It goes without saying that I wanted him back. He received his just desserts.”
After eight straight losing seasons, Trout is now attempting to convince Moreno and team president John Carpino to use the money they saved on Ohtani to make improvements to the ballclub and turn it back into a contender.
In addition to Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman and former MVP Cody Bellinger, the Texas Rangers’ Jordan Montgomery and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell are still available.
Trout stated, “There are still some guys out there that can really improve this team.” “I will continue to push for as long as possible, or until the season begins or those guys sign.” It’s just who I am. I intend to exert all conceivable effort. Though clearly Arte has the final say, let me to add my two cents.
With no discussions between Moreno’s agent Scott Boras and the Angels in recent weeks, Trout says he is unsure if Moreno will back down and that Moreno cannot be characterized as being cheap.
Trout remarked, “If you look over the past several years, Arte’s spent money.I’ve spoken with a couple guys who are certain they want to be here. I have a competitive nature. The men that are out there are fantastic individuals and players.
Saying I don’t want them to come here would be silly. I kept in touch with them both during the off-season, just pushing and pushing. There are still several players that have the ability to significantly improve this team.”
Throughout the offseason, Trout discussed his ideas with first base coach Bo Porter, third base coach Eric Young, and new Angels manager Ron Washington. Over the winter, they spent three hours at Trout’s house in New Jersey, listening to his ideas for how to make the team better.
According to Washington, “We let Mike talk,” USA TODAY Sports said. “We asked Mike to advise us on any changes he felt were necessary. What he believes to be the cause of the stagnation in this area. We merely listened to Mike; I never gave EY or Bo what I wanted. All I wanted to do was listen. He is energised. He’s prepared to leave.”
Trout is being urged by Washington to keep pressing Moreno for free-agent assistance.
“He has discussed it with me and with the man who can have an impact on it,” Washington stated. “Now, the call needs to be placed by someone else. However, my response to that? Mike, keep going.”
Trout was equally responsible for the Angels’ difficulties as everyone else. He has been an All-Star eleven times, and in his first nine complete seasons, he placed among the top five MVP candidates. From 2013 to 2018, he averaged 92 RBI, 35 home runs, and a.422 on-base percentage while hitting.308 overall.
Nevertheless, throughout the previous three seasons, he has missed 249 games. Since 2016, he hasn’t participated in more than 140 games. He missed five months of action in 2021 due to a strained calf, five weeks in 2022 due to a back injury, and half of the previous season due to a broken hand.
Trout stated, “It makes a difference if I’m on the field.” It devastates me. I detest discussing it. I want to be out there with the boys all the time. I try to go out there and play even if I’m just 60%. Having to enter the clubhouse and not see my name in the lineup hurts me.”
Remarkably, over the previous three seasons, Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Ohtani have only shared the field in 22% of the Angels’ games.
Rendon, who has missed 338 games since the 2020 season and is hitting.235 with a.701 OPS with only 11 home runs and 80 RBI, was also visited by Washington, who traveled to Houston.
Despite having $105 million remaining on his deal for the next three seasons, Rendon’s frustration with the injuries led him to openly discuss retirement.
It’s a job, he declared. “I work here to support myself. Priorities include my family and faith over this work. Therefore, I’m leaving if those things happen before it.”
However, he maintains that it’s blatantly unreasonable for anyone to think he’s happy to receive $36 million year while sidelined due to injury.
Rendon, who underwent hip surgery in 2021, wrist surgery in 2022, and a shin fracture in 2023, declared, “I don’t want to have surgeries.” Do you really believe that I enjoy getting cut open and spending most of my time in pain? Not even that I can pick up my kids. I am unable to walk. Do you suppose I find that enjoyable?”
Trout has never stated that he plans to leave before his contract expires; he wants to stay in center field for as long as his body would allow. All he wants is what Rendon already has: a World Series championship and participation in seven postseason games.
Trout only played in three postseason games in 2014, as the Kansas City Royals swept him out of the series. He didn’t even watch a single playoff game.
Without Ohtani, the drought could undoubtedly last longer. Reliever Robert Stephenson was the largest free agent signed by the Angels this winter, agreeing to a three-year, $33 million contract.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian stated, “Obviously, you lose a great player, and you understand that things happen, but the one constant for me the last three years is Mike Trout.” You can be sure he will arrive in excellent condition. You may also be sure that he will be driven to improve not just himself but also everyone around him.
“He’s one of the best players in the game, if not the best, in my opinion, so it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he were to lead the MVP conversation in addition to simply returning to it. He is prepared to depart since his mind is in a terrific place.”