Mike Trout was once the undisputed king of Major League Baseball. He had MVP awards piling up, and his highlight reel plays left his fans just in awe. He was a beacon of light for his team, the Los Angeles Angels. Even though he hasn’t had much postseason luck, he made it there in 2014. Yet his greatness cannot be any lesser, and it’s what made him a lock for the Hall of Fame in the plausible future too. However, it’s like Lady Luck just left his journey altogether, as these past years have been extremely unlucky.
One after another, injuries have dimmed his light. The player who was always talked about for his performance is now mostly discussed for a potential comeback and when it might happen. The last time he even came close to playing a full regular season was 2020, and that was the shortened season capped at 60 games. Since then, juries have sidelined him, and it must be taxing on not just his fans and his team but mostly for him. But lucky for him, his team still has full trust in his comeback.
Ron Washington trusts Trout and his comeback
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Angels manager Ron Washington, speaking at the MLB Winter meetings, talked with great optimism about Mike Trout and his 2025 season. And listening to it will make fans sigh with relief and give hope that the outfielder can come back to reclaim his throne. Washington said, “My expectations for Mike Trout are the same as Mike Trout’s. He wants to come back healthy, and he wants to put a tremendous year together for the Los Angeles Angels. And that’s what we all want. I do believe we are going to help him accomplish that,” adding, “I’m gonna make a big statement… Mike Trout is STILL better than 80% of players in the league.”
While the road ahead may be uncertain, Mike Trout sure seems ready to conquer, from what Washington’s words describe. Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian also shares the same optimism, though he has expressed his frustration over the repetitive injury and downtime by Trout. Just in November, he mentioned, “I think he’s extremely motivated. He’s doing what he needs to do this offseason to get back on the field. He’s extremely frustrated with the amount of games he’s played over the last four years.”
Well, Trout had a tough 2024 season too, though he started strong. A meniscus tear in Mike Trout’s left knee in April got him back in the spot again. After the second surgery, the Los Angeles Angels decided to shut him down, given the season was already lost. Now, Trout is working tirelessly to regain his health and contribute to the team that has shown so much faith in him; however, there are rumors of him getting traded!
Is Mike Trout going to wear pinstripes soon?
Mike Trout trade rumors are swirling again, and this time the New York Yankees have been named among the possible teams interested after missing out on Juan Soto. However, such speculations might just be to rub salt over the Yankees fans. Because the Los Angeles Angels are unlikely to part ways with their franchise cornerstone. Plus, his trade value has also diminished due to his massive contract and injury-shortened season, where he played for just 29 games.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Mike Trout is now 33, and he is a talent who can be a game-changer when he is healthy. He hasn’t crossed over 130 games since 2019, also the same year he got his most recent MVP honor. To date, he has three MVP awards and a career that just screams Hall of Fame. But yet, the championship ring is left. Trout wants to win a championship and only then hang his cleats. The goal is difficult at Anaheim, though, because they haven’t been able to build a competitive team around him. If not, a trade at some point cannot really be ruled out.
What do you predict about the Mike Trout trade rumors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.