As the Los Angeles Angels struggle to maintain their slight Wild Card hopes, Mike Trout has spent nearly 90% of games this season off the field, taking on the designated hitter role. Given Trout’s ongoing health concerns and the emergence of younger outfield talents, now is the critical moment for the Angels to commit to making Mike Trout a full-time designated hitter, ending his time in the outfield for good.
Injuries and Missteps Have Highlighted the Need for Change
Mike Trout’s injuries mostly occur while running bases rather than due to fielding, questioning the logic of having him play defense at all. Originally moved to right field to lessen the strain on his body, Trout’s situation demonstrates that a dedicated DH role would have been a smarter choice before the season began. The Angels’ attempt to fill that gap with Jorge Soler has not worked out, and reallocating those resources toward strengthening their pitching rotation would have been more beneficial.
Emerging Outfield Talent Accelerates the Transition
The rise of Jo Adell’s offensive skills this season emphasizes the need for consistent playing time, which he should receive by starting in right field. Despite his defensive challenges in center field, Adell’s potential shines through in right field, a spot he should have occupied from the start of 2025. Additionally, Bryce Teodosio’s impressive early impact in the majors makes it even clearer that Trout’s continued presence in the field is unnecessary and limiting the team’s growth.
Planning Around Trout’s Role for the Remainder of His Contract
While Trout might occasionally take the field to give Adell, Teodosio, or Taylor Ward rest days, the Angels must prioritize Trout as a full-time designated hitter throughout the rest of his contract. His struggles to stay healthy when playing defense, combined with the talent pipeline forming in the outfield, support this approach. Having the Ward-Teodosio-Adell trio in place through at least 2026 sets the stage for a smoother transition in the outfield and allows younger players in the minor leagues to prepare for future roles.
Why This Shift Matters for the Angels’ Future
Mike Trout remains a valuable offensive force as he nears the end of his career, but managing his playing time and health is essential to prolonging his impact. The Angels must face reality and establish Trout firmly as their full-time designated hitter. This move will maximize Trout’s contributions while allowing emerging talents to develop in the outfield, positioning the Angels for a more stable and competitive future at The Big A.