The Los Angeles Angels have to be the most disappointed team so far this offseason.
There was some hope coming into the offseason that the Angels could re-sign Shohei Ohtani.
He was their best player and the only hope they had to remain competitive in 2024.
But, once Ohtani agreed to a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, all hope around the Angels evaporated.
Now the Angels sit in a loaded division with a mediocre roster and no immediate help in sight.
One player who is good enough to carry them is outfielder Mike Trout.
But, all of the injuries to Trout in recent years have made him tough to count on.
Still, the Angels see Trout as a part of their team for 2024 and beyond.
According to Sam Blum, Angels GM Perry Minasian recently said Trout remains the team’s center fielder in 2024.
Mike Trout is the Angels center fielder, Perry Minasian said. He declined to say if they’ve discussed any alternatives with him. Not necessarily a surprise, but that’s the plan.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) January 29, 2024
Trout is entering his age-32 season and is not getting any younger.
Most players are likely to become more injury-prone as they get older.
That has been the case with Trout.
Last year, he only played in 82 games.
Still, he hit 18 home runs and drove in 44 with an OPS over .850.
His production is still elite, but he needs to be on the field more.
Trout has not played over 130 games since 2019.
It may be best for the Angels to trade Trout and get a package of prospects in return.
But, until they commit to rebuilding for the future, this team will most likely be at the bottom of the league.
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