Mike Trout won’t be suiting up for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and while that might feel like a surprise on the surface, it’s really a reflection of where things stand with the future Hall of Famer. For over a decade, Trout was the face of American baseball-an automatic inclusion on any Team USA roster.
But this time around, when Corbin Carroll needed a replacement, it was Boston’s Roman Anthony who got the call, not Trout. And there’s a good reason for that.
Trout confirmed that insurance complications tied to his Angels contract kept him out of the WBC. That’s not a new issue for players with big-money deals, especially those with a recent history of injuries.
In Trout’s case, it’s a stark reminder of how much time he’s missed in recent seasons. Even last year-when he managed to play 130 games, his highest total since 2019-there were still durability concerns.
Those concerns are exactly why his contract wasn’t insured this time around.
The Angels signed Trout to a 12-year deal back in 2019, and while it made perfect sense at the time, the back half of that contract is starting to look like a gamble that’s aging poorly. Trout’s not the same player he was in his 20s, and the team’s approach last season reflected that.
He spent most of 2025 as the designated hitter, logging just 22 games in right field. It was a clear strategy: keep him healthy, keep his bat in the lineup, and avoid the wear and tear of the outfield grind.
That’s what makes his latest announcement so eyebrow-raising: Trout says he’s heading back to center field in 2026.
Let that sink in. The same player who couldn’t get insurance to play a few weeks of high-level baseball for Team USA is now planning to take on one of the most physically demanding positions in the sport over a full 162-game season.
Center field isn’t just about covering ground-it’s about making high-impact plays, communicating with corner outfielders, and taking on a leadership role defensively. It’s a young man’s position, and while Trout is still a talented player, he’s 34 now, with a long injury history and a lot of miles on those legs.
If the Angels are serious about keeping Trout healthy and productive, letting him roam center field again feels like a step in the wrong direction. It’s not just about his health-it’s about maximizing his value.
A healthy Trout, even as a DH or corner outfielder, can still be a force in the lineup. But a Trout who’s sidelined again because of the physical toll of center field?
That’s a scenario the Angels can’t afford.
This situation also puts a spotlight on the Angels’ offseason decisions. They took a swing by acquiring Josh Lowe, a player with upside but limited experience in center field.
That move may have boxed them into a corner. If they’d brought in a more established center fielder, they might not be in this position-trying to balance Trout’s preferences with the team’s long-term needs.
At the end of the day, Trout’s earned the respect to have a voice in the room. But the Angels need to be honest with themselves-and with him-about what’s best for the team and for his career.
He’s still a good player, no doubt. But the version of Trout who could carry a franchise from the middle of the diamond might be in the rearview mirror.
The Angels have to decide if they’re planning for the future or clinging to the past. Because in 2026, letting Mike Trout patrol center field again feels more like a risk than a reward.