Los Angeles Angels General Manager Perry Minasian recently announced a major setback for the team: star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This injury effectively marks the end of another troubled season for one of baseball's premier talents.
Trout, who has not played since April 29, initially tore his meniscus on that date. By then, he had participated in just 29 games but had already demonstrated his slugging power with 10 home runs. However, this brief glimpse of his potential was quickly overshadowed by the recurring theme of his career over the last four seasons—a persistent struggle with injuries.
Injuries Continue to Plague Trout's Career
Various ailments have confined Trout to merely 266 of 648 possible games over the past four seasons, translating to a concerning 41% participation rate. This trend has become particularly apparent when examining his post-All-Star break performance. Between 2021 and 2024, Trout managed to appear in just 41 games after the midseason juncture.
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday next week, questions about his durability are becoming increasingly pertinent. While his talent remains undoubted, the aging veteran appears to be inching past his prime in terms of health and resilience.
Massive Contract with Lingering Doubts
In March 2019, Trout signed a gargantuan 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels. Six years into this deal, the financial and strategic ramifications are beginning to crystallize. Trout remains under contract through 2030, with the Angels owing him $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030, totaling $212.7 million.
Within the context of this substantial investment, the return has been hindered by Trout's inability to stay on the field. This presents a looming concern for the franchise, particularly given their ongoing struggles to build a competitive team around him and Shohei Ohtani, another dynamic yet injury-prone player.
The Angels' Broader Struggles
With both Trout and Ohtani on the roster for six seasons, the Angels have yet to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance. Their last playoff participation was during the 2014 season, where they were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series. This has fueled the narrative that the Angels are one of baseball's most mismanaged franchises.
Owner Arte Moreno's imposition of a restriction on exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold has added another layer of complexity. Financial constraints have influenced the team's ability to make significant roster upgrades. This was particularly evident last August when the Angels shed payroll to avoid the competitive balance tax, emphasizing their ongoing fiscal challenges.
The franchise has also been marred by poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unfruitful trades. These issues have only compounded the negative impact of Trout’s injuries and salary burden.
Trout's Legacy and the Angels' Future
Despite the setbacks, Trout's legacy as one of baseball's elite remains intact. His MVP-winning season in 2019 and top-five MVP finish in 2020 highlight his undeniable talent. However, the sustainability of his contributions, given his injury history and the substantial amount of money still owed to him, is a significant concern moving forward.
The Angels face an uphill battle in restructuring their team to optimize what remains of Trout's tenure. The franchise must confront the dual challenges of maximizing Trout's waning years while addressing broader organizational deficiencies to finally break their playoff drought.
As Trout's 33rd year unfolds, the Angels must navigate these turbulent waters with caution, aiming to strike a balance between honoring a significant financial commitment and carving out a competitive future.