Mike Trout's Season-Ending Injury Highlights Angels' Continuing Struggles
In a blow to the Los Angeles Angels and their fans, General Manager Perry Minasian has announced that star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This announcement solidifies a season overshadowed by injuries for Trout, who hasn't played since April 29 when he initially suffered the tear.
Before his injury, Trout had been a powerhouse on the field, managing to play in just 29 games but already slugging 10 home runs. His absence since the end of April has been a significant loss for the Angels, who have been struggling to find consistency without their star player.
Injuries have been a recurring theme for Trout, who has been restricted to playing only 266 out of a possible 648 games over the past four seasons, translating to a worrying 41% participation rate. This statistic underlines the difficulties facing both Trout and the Angels as they attempt to maintain competitive form amid an ongoing injury crisis.
Trout's Post-All-Star Break Performances
Trout's performance after the All-Star breaks from 2021 to 2024 paints a similar picture. He was able to appear in just 41 games during these periods, further highlighting his struggles to stay healthy and contribute consistently in the latter halves of recent seasons. As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday, questions about his durability and future performance continue to loom large.
In March 2019, the Angels showed their immense faith in Trout by signing him to a groundbreaking 12-year, $426.5 million extension. Now, in the sixth year of that contract, the financial and strategic implications are becoming increasingly apparent. Trout remains under contract with the Angels through 2030, with the team owing him $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030, amounting to $212.7 million in total.
The Trout and Ohtani Era
Despite having both Trout and dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani on their roster for six seasons, the Angels have yet to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance. This period has been marred by poor player development, questionable free agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades. The team's inability to capitalize on having two of baseball's brightest stars has been a source of frustration for fans and a point of criticism for analysts.
Arte Moreno, the team's owner, has imposed a restriction on the Angels' ability to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold, further complicating efforts to build a more competitive team around Trout and Ohtani. The Angels' last postseason appearance came in 2014, during Trout's illustrious career, a series sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series.
Despite these team struggles, Trout has continued to shine individually. He had an MVP-winning season in 2019 and finished in the top five for MVP voting in 2020. However, his frequent injuries and the enormous amount of money still owed to him raise concerns about his contract becoming a significant burden for the franchise.
Financial Struggles and Mismanagement
Last August, the Angels made efforts to shed payroll to avoid crossing the competitive balance tax threshold, further emphasizing their ongoing financial struggles. These financial constraints, coupled with frequent injuries to their star player, have fueled the narrative that Trout's contract could potentially become a substantial weight for the franchise.
Throughout Trout's tenure, the Los Angeles Angels have often been labeled as one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball. While Trout's individual brilliance is undeniable, the team's inability to build a successful and sustainable roster around him has been a glaring issue.
As Trout faces another season-ending injury, the Angels are left to ponder their next steps. The challenge remains to find a way to effectively leverage their remaining assets while navigating the significant financial commitments already on the books. The road ahead for the Angels appears as uncertain as ever, with the franchise hoping to reverse its fortunes and live up to the promise of its talented roster.