Despite going through another disappointing season with the Los Angeles Angels, star slugger Mike Trout is not considering leaving the franchise. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Trout dismissed trade rumors surrounding him and said he plans to wear the Angels uniform next spring as well.
According to a recent report by USA Today, the Angels would be open to trading Trout in the offseason if he wants to join a contender. However, the three-time AL MVP doesn’t seem to be thinking about leaving.
“I go through this every year,” Trout said. “These are private conversations I have with [owner] Arte [Moreno] and [president] John [Carpino]. I’m doing the same thing I’ve done the last 13 years. Going into the offseason, clearing my mind, getting ready for spring and wearing an Angels uniform in spring.”
Trout still has seven years left on the 12-year, $426.5 million deal he signed with the Angels in 2019. He received a no-trade as part of the agreement, meaning the team can’t move him without his consent.
The Angels haven’t been to the playoffs since 2014 and don’t seem anywhere close to putting an end to their playoff drought. They currently sit at 70-87 and will finish the regular season below .500 for the eighth consecutive time.
While the Angels still have five games left to play in 2023, Trout has already finished his campaign. The 32-year-old player was placed on the 60-day injured list over the weekend due to a lingering hand injury. He played 82 games this season, batting .263 with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs.
