Angels Star Expresses Stance on Position Change
Mike Trout is looking to return to center field, a position he feels more comfortable in. The Los Angeles Angels’ first-year manager, Kurt Suzuki, has discussed this potential move with Trout. According to reports, Trout believes that playing center field is easier on his body compared to right field.
Trout’s Recent Performance and Health Challenges
Since the pandemic-affected 2020 season, Mike Trout has struggled to complete a full campaign. He hasn’t played more than 130 games in a season since 2019 due to multiple injuries. Notably, he faced a season-ending meniscus tear in 2024 and a fractured hamate bone in 2023, missing a total of 89 games during those seasons. Additionally, he was diagnosed with a rare back condition in 2022.
In the 2025 season, Trout played more games than he had in several years but his production dipped significantly. He recorded 26 home runs and 64 RBIs with a batting average of .232, far below his career standards that include three MVP awards and 11 All-Star selections.
Position Change Discussion
The conversation about moving Trout back to center field arises as the Angels traded Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles. This creates an opportunity for Trout in the outfield. Current options on the roster include Jo Adell, Jorge Soler, and Josh Lowe. Adell, who played center last year, struggled defensively, making a stronger case for Trout’s return to the position.
The Angels’ Prospects for 2026
The Angels’ record over recent years has not been promising. They finished 72-90 in 2025, landing last in the American League West for the second consecutive year. With only one postseason appearance during Trout’s career—back in 2014—they have the longest active playoff drought in Major League Baseball.
With new leadership under Suzuki, who was a backup catcher for the Angels in 2021 and 2022, the team is hoping for a turnaround. To contend in 2026, the Angels will need an impactful performance from Trout, and a switch back to center field could provide the spark he needs.
