Los Angeles Angels General Manager Perry Minasian has confirmed that star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Trout, who suffered a torn left meniscus earlier this year, hasn't played since the injury occurred on April 29.
Trout's 2024 campaign was curtailed after just 29 games, during which he demonstrated his formidable hitting prowess by smashing 10 home runs. However, his impressive start was cut short, adding another chapter to a growing saga of injuries that have plagued his career in recent years. Over the past four seasons, Trout has only participated in 266 out of a possible 648 games, translating to a troubling 41% involvement rate.
Moreover, Trout's availability post-All-Star break has been minimal. Between 2021 and 2024, he participated in only 41 games, compounded by various ailments that have also contributed to his limited playtime.
An Illustrious Career Hampered by Injuries
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday next week, questions about his durability become more pressing. The outfielder's journey with the Angels began on a high note, culminating in March 2019 with a monumental 12-year, $426.5 million extension. Nevertheless, year six of this substantial contract highlights its financial and strategic implications for the team. Despite the excitement surrounding his talent, Trout remains under contract through 2030, with the Angels committed to paying him $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030 for a total of $212.7 million.
Team Struggles and Financial Constraints
In spite of the star power of both Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the Angels have struggled to translate their talents into team success. Over the past six seasons, the duo has been unable to bolster the team’s record to a winning season or a postseason berth. The Angels' last postseason appearance, which occurred in 2014, ended in a swift series sweep by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series. This performance gap shines a spotlight on the larger issues within the organization.
A significant factor contributing to the Angels' woes is the competitive balance tax threshold restriction imposed by owner Arte Moreno. Shedding payroll last August to avoid exceeding this threshold underscores the constraints under which the team operates. Additionally, the Angels have been criticized for poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of misfiring trades. These missteps have collectively contributed to the perception of the Angels as one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball.
The Financial Burden of Trout's Contract
Trout’s frequent injuries, coupled with the significant financial commitment owed to him, create a looming concern about his contract becoming a heavy financial burden. Despite his accolades, including an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020, the inconsistency of his availability poses a challenge to the team’s long-term strategies.
As the Angels navigate the remaining years of Trout's contract, the balance between leveraging his talent and addressing his injury-prone history will be critical. For a franchise that has been striving to reclaim its footing in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, the path forward will demand shrewd management and a bit of luck in keeping their star outfielder healthy and on the field.