Los Angeles Angels General Manager Perry Minasian has delivered devastating news for fans: star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. The injury-stricken player has been sidelined since April 29, when he initially suffered the tear. At the time, Trout had already demonstrated his offensive prowess, slugging 10 home runs over just 29 games.
The recurring injuries have starkly limited Trout's participation in recent seasons. Over the past four years, he has played in only 266 out of a possible 648 games, translating to a troubling 41% participation rate. Analyzing his performance post-All-Star breaks from 2021 to 2024 paints a similar picture; Trout managed a mere 41 games out of those four seasons combined.
The Weight of Time
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday next week, the milestone is a reminder of both his incredible career achievements and the relentless toll of time on his durability. In March 2019, Trout signed a historic 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels, meant to secure the star outfielder's presence in the lineup well into the next decade. Now in the sixth year of that mammoth contract, the financial and strategic implications for the team loom large.
Under contract through 2030, the Angels owe Trout $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030, amounting to a staggering $212.7 million. The substantial financial commitment, coupled with Trout's frequent injuries, has led to rising concerns that his contract could become a burden for the franchise.
Unfulfilled Potential
The six seasons that have seen both Trout and electrifying two-way player Shohei Ohtani on the roster have been marked by frustration. Despite the star power, the Angels have failed to post a winning record or secure a postseason appearance. The only playoff series of Trout’s celebrated career occurred in 2014, ending in a quick exit after a sweep by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series.
While Trout had an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020, the ongoing struggles of the Angels as a team have overshadowed individual achievements. The franchise's woes can be attributed to a mix of factors, including poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades. Last August, the team even shed payroll to avoid surpassing the competitive balance tax threshold, further highlighting its operational hurdles.
Arte Moreno's restriction on the team’s ability to exceed the competitive balance tax limit has hamstrung the Angels' ability to build a more competitive roster. These compounding issues have contributed to a growing perception that the Angels are one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball.
A Challenging Future
The current circumstances cast a long shadow over the next several seasons for the Angels. As Trout's injuries continue to mount, the true cost of his contract comes into sharper focus. With millions still owed to him and the inability to avoid his frequent stints on the disabled list, the team faces strategic and financial headaches.
Trout's absence for the remainder of the 2024 season not only affects the team on the field but also in the front office. The Angels must navigate the complexities of their financial commitments while attempting to break a cycle of underperformance that has plagued them for years.
Ultimately, the coming seasons will test the resilience of both Trout and the franchise that pinned its hopes on his otherworldly talent. Whether the Angels can overcome their myriad challenges to capitalize on the prime years left in Trout's career remains to be seen.