Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian has delivered difficult news to fans and the team alike: star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. Since his initial tear on April 29, Trout hasn't returned to the field, marking the end of a frustratingly abbreviated campaign for the legend.
By late April, Trout had managed just 29 games, during which he impressively hit 10 home runs. Yet his struggles with injuries have become a glaring issue; over the past four seasons, various ailments have restricted him to merely 266 out of 648 possible games. This amounts to an alarming participation rate of just 41%, shaking confidence in his ability to remain a consistent presence on the field.
A Serious Decline
Evaluating Trout's post-All-Star break performance between 2021 and 2024 paints a grim picture. In those four seasons, the outfielder managed only 41 games combined. As he approaches his 33rd birthday next week, the consistent injuries and dwindling game appearances suggest a concerning step past his prime in terms of durability.
In March 2019, Trout signed a staggering 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels. Now, in the sixth year of that contract, the financial and strategic implications are being intensely scrutinized. Trout remains under contract through 2030, with the Angels owing him $35.45 million per year from 2025 to 2030, amounting to a significant $212.7 million.
Franchise Struggles
Despite having both Trout and dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani on the roster for six seasons, the Angels have not posted a winning record nor made a postseason appearance. This has been compounded by Arte Moreno’s imposed restriction on the team's ability to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold, limiting strategic maneuvers in player acquisition and payroll flexibility.
The only postseason appearance for the Angels during Trout's career occurred in 2014—an appearance that ended swiftly with a series sweep by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series. Despite individual accolades, including an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020, Trout’s presence has not translated into team success.
Systemic Issues
The Angels' struggles run deeper than just the injury misfortunes of their stars. Poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades have plagued the organization. In an effort to avoid the competitive balance tax, the franchise shed payroll last August, which further underscores the ongoing management struggles.
With Trout frequently sidelined and a substantial financial commitment still on the books, there is a rising perception that his contract might become a considerable burden for the franchise. This perception is coupled with a broader consensus in the baseball community that the Angels have become one of the most mismanaged franchises in the sport.
The next chapters for Trout and the Angels remain clouded with uncertainty. As the icon battles to regain his health and form, the franchise must simultaneously navigate complex financial commitments and strategic decisions. The coming years will be crucial not just for Trout's legacy but for the overall direction and fortunes of the Los Angeles Angels.