Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian has announced a significant setback for the franchise: star outfielder Mike Trout is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This injury adds to a growing list of ailments that have hampered Trout's availability over recent seasons.
Trout hasn't taken the field since April 29, the date of his initial meniscus tear. By that point, he had managed to play just 29 games and had already slugged 10 home runs. While his bat remained potent, his body has not held up, a troubling trend for the Angels and their fans.
Injury Woes and Limited Playing Time
Over the past four seasons, various injuries have restricted Trout to merely 266 of 648 possible games, translating to an alarming 41% participation rate. The trend of missing games extends past the All-Star breaks between 2021 and 2024, during which he appeared in only 41 games combined.
With Trout turning 33 next week, concerns about his durability are more pronounced than ever. The outfielder's age and recurring injuries have led to speculation about his ability to remain a pivotal player for the Angels moving forward.
A Costly Commitment
Back in March 2019, Trout signed a mammoth 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension with the Angels. As year six of that deal unfolds, the financial and strategic implications are becoming increasingly apparent. Trout is under contract through 2030, with the Angels owing him $35.45 million per year from 2025 to 2030, amounting to $212.7 million in total. This considerable financial commitment adds pressure on both Trout and the franchise to navigate these challenging times.
Angels' Ongoing Struggles
Despite the talents of Trout and dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani, the Angels have failed to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance in the six seasons they've played together. This prolonged period of underachievement has been marked by poor player development, questionable free agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades.
Arte Moreno, the Angels' owner, has also imposed a restriction on the team's ability to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold, further complicating their efforts to build a competitive roster. For instance, shedding payroll last August to avoid the tax underscored the financial constraints the team faces.
Trout’s Career Highlights and Franchise Challenges
Trout's career has been illustrious, with an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020. However, his personal achievements have not translated into team success. The only postseason appearance by the Angels during Trout's career was in 2014 when they were swiftly swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series.
The substantial amount of money still owed to Trout raises concerns that his contract could become a significant burden for the franchise, especially as his frequent injuries continue to mount. Amidst these challenges, the Angels have been labeled one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball.
As Trout faces yet another extended period on the sidelines, the Angels must confront the harsh realities of their current state and strategize a path forward. The road to recovery for both Trout and the team is uncertain, but it is clear that overcoming these obstacles will require careful management and possibly some difficult decisions ahead.