Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian has officially announced that star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This injury is the latest in a series of ailments that have plagued the three-time MVP’s career, raising concerns about his durability and the substantial financial commitment the Angels have made to the veteran player.
An Injury-Marred Season
Trout, who suffered his initial meniscus tear on April 29, has not set foot on the field since. By that date, he had appeared in just 29 games and already hit 10 home runs, showcasing his continued ability to deliver power at the plate despite his physical setbacks. Unfortunately, this was not enough to prevent another lost season for the 33-year-old outfielder.
The statistics paint a poignant picture for Trout and the Angels. Over the past four seasons, various injuries have limited him to a mere 266 out of a potential 648 games, marking a troubling participation rate of just 41%. Impressively, even with these constraints, he's demonstrated flashes of brilliance, notably achieving an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020. However, these accolades cannot mask the reality of his repeated absences.
The Financial Commitment
In March 2019, the Angels signed Trout to a monumental 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension, aiming to lock down their franchise cornerstone through 2030. As we reach year six of this deal, the financial and strategic implications of this commitment are becoming increasingly apparent.
The Angels owe Trout $35.45 million annually from 2025 through 2030, totaling $212.7 million. This significant amount, compounded with his ongoing health issues, raises the question of whether this contract may end up being a burden for the franchise.
Lack of Postseason Success
Despite having both Trout and the dynamic two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani on their roster for six seasons, the Angels have yet to post a winning record or secure a postseason berth. The team's sole postseason appearance during Trout’s illustrious career remains a swift exit in the 2014 Division Series, where they were swept by the Kansas City Royals.
Organizational Struggles
The Angels' struggles are not limited to on-field performance. Poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades have hampered the team’s ability to build a competitive roster. These issues were further highlighted last August when the organization decided to shed payroll to avoid exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold—a restriction imposed by owner Arte Moreno.
This decision underscored the broader challenges facing the Angels. The combination of Trout's frequent injuries, the substantial financial obligations tied to his contract, and the team's overall mismanagement amplifies the notion that Trout's contract might become an increasingly heavy weight for the franchise to bear.
The Path Ahead
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday next week, questions about his future and the direction of the Angels inevitably arise. With several years and millions of dollars still owed, the organization must navigate carefully. The aim is to maximize the contributions from one of the greatest players of his generation while also rebuilding a competitive team around him.