The Los Angeles Angels are gearing up for the 2026 season with a renewed sense of optimism, and much of that hope rests on the shoulders of one man: Mike Trout. Known as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players of his generation, Trout's impact on the game is undeniable. Yet, recent years have seen him struggle with injuries, casting a shadow over his otherwise stellar career.
Over the past five seasons, Trout has averaged just 79.2 games per year, a figure bolstered by playing 130 games last season. Even then, a left knee bone bruise sidelined him for about a month, limiting him to designated hitter duties despite starting the season in right field to preserve his health. Now, Trout is eyeing a return to center field, a move that aligns with the Angels' defensive needs but also comes with inherent risks.
Beyond his role with the Angels, Trout had set his sights on playing in this year's World Baseball Classic. Although he passed the captaincy to Aaron Judge, the allure of representing his country was strong. However, concerns over his health made this a precarious decision.
The Angels, though, caught a break due to the World Baseball Classic's insurance policies. Trout, like other stars such as Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Francisco Lindor, was denied participation due to injury history. While fans might have relished seeing Trout on the world stage, the Angels needed him healthy for their own campaign.
For the Angels to compete in the AL West, having Trout in the lineup every day is crucial. But more than just his presence, they need him to return to his peak performance. Although his .232/.359/.439 line last season was below his usual standards, it wasn't long ago that he hit 40 homers with a .999 OPS in 2022.
To achieve this, Trout requires a normal offseason with a careful ramp-up to maintain his health. The Angels dodged a major bullet with the WBC insurance situation, allowing them to focus on managing his spring workload wisely. If they can navigate these challenges, the Angels might just have a shot at turning their offseason optimism into on-field success.