Mike Trout’s Return to Center Field Signals Bigger Questions for the Angels
For over a decade, Mike Trout has been the face of not just the Los Angeles Angels, but arguably all of Major League Baseball. But as the 2026 season approaches, the conversation around Trout is starting to shift-from what he can do to what he should be doing.
When Team USA unveiled its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Trout’s absence was hard to miss. The three-time MVP had been a staple in international play, and many expected him to be there again.
But instead of a dramatic snub, this felt more like a quiet passing of the torch. Boston’s Roman Anthony was tapped to replace the injured Corbin Carroll, not Trout.
And there’s a reason for that.
Trout confirmed that he wanted to play in the WBC, but couldn’t secure insurance coverage on his contract with the Angels-effectively ruling him out. That’s a significant development.
Insurance is a standard part of international play for MLB stars, but in Trout’s case, the risk was apparently too high. And when you look at his recent history, it’s hard to argue with the caution.
Trout played 130 games last season-his highest total since 2019-but injuries have become a defining part of his career over the last several years.
The inability to insure Trout’s contract underscores the growing concern around the 12-year deal he signed with the Angels back in 2019. At the time, it was a landmark commitment to a generational talent.
Now, it’s starting to look like a weight the organization is struggling to carry. The Angels have long built around Trout, but in 2026, the question is whether that strategy still makes sense.
Last season, the Angels tried to manage his workload by using him primarily as a designated hitter. He logged just 22 games in right field, with the clear goal of keeping him healthy and in the lineup. That seemed like a logical approach-until Trout announced this week that he plans to return to center field in 2026.
Yes, you read that right. At 34 years old, and with a history of lower-body injuries, Trout is heading back to one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.
It’s a move that raises more questions than answers. If playing center field in the WBC was deemed too risky to insure, how does it make sense for the Angels to pencil him in there for a full 162-game grind?
The WBC is a few weeks in March. The MLB season is a six-month marathon.
The math doesn’t add up.
This is where the Angels find themselves in a tough spot. Trout is still a very good player-when he’s on the field, he produces.
But he’s no longer the invincible superstar who could carry a franchise by sheer force of talent. That’s not a knock-it’s just reality.
And it means the Angels need to have an honest conversation about how to get the most out of the final years of his contract.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about disrespecting Trout’s legacy. It’s about protecting what’s left of it.
The Angels’ offseason didn’t exactly help the situation. They brought in Josh Lowe, a talented outfielder with upside, but he lacks experience in center.
That left the door open for Trout to step back into the role-whether it was the best option or not. Had the Angels added a veteran center fielder, this might not even be a discussion.
Instead, the roster construction has left them with limited choices and a potentially risky plan.
Trout’s desire to return to center field speaks to his competitive fire. That’s never been in question.
But the organization has to look at the bigger picture. If the goal is to keep Trout healthy and productive, asking him to patrol center every day feels like a gamble with long odds.
There’s no easy answer here. But one thing is clear: the Angels can’t afford to keep making decisions based on who Trout was. They have to start planning based on who he is-and how to maximize what he still brings to the table.
Because if 2026 is going to be anything more than another “what if” season in Anaheim, it starts with a realistic plan for their franchise cornerstone.