Mike Trout Aims to Return to Center Field for the Angels, Highlights Benefits for His Body
Mike Trout Eyes Return to Center Field as World Baseball Classic Participation Falls Through
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has expressed his desire to return to center field for the upcoming season. The 11-time All-Star announced he will miss the World Baseball Classic due to insurance complications.
Trout, who has battled injuries since 2021, believes that playing center field is less taxing on his body compared to the corner outfield positions. This perspective counters conventional wisdom, which often views center field as more demanding.
Last season, Trout played 130 games—the most since 2019—but faced challenges, including a knee injury that sidelined him for a month. After starting 22 of his first 29 games in right field, he shifted to a full-time designated hitter role upon his return in late May. Despite hitting 26 home runs, Trout finished the season with a .232 batting average, marking the lowest average of his career when achieving at least 400 at-bats.
Throughout his career, Trout has primarily played center field, maintaining that position for 11 consecutive seasons before moving to right field. Injuries limited his appearances to just 111 games over the previous two seasons.
During discussions with first-year manager Kurt Suzuki, Trout has revisited the possibility of returning to center field. "I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center," he stated during a media session at the club’s spring training facility on Monday. "If I have to go to the corner, I’ll go to the corner."
Trout further elaborated on the health benefits of playing center field. “When I was in center, it was less on my body than the corners," he noted. "To be honest, in right field, I felt I was running a lot. Talking to some other outfielders, they’re saying they feel the same way sometimes. Center is less on your legs. I just feel confident in center.”
The outfielder also expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity to participate in the World Baseball Classic. “It’s disappointing. I wanted to run it back with all the guys,” he said.
In related news, promising young outfielder Roman Anthony has been named as an injury replacement for Team USA, stepping in for Arizona’s Corbin Carroll, who is currently sidelined with a broken bone in his right hand.
