Mike Trout to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season
Los Angeles Angels' General Manager Perry Minasian has announced that Mike Trout, the team's star outfielder, will be sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This unfortunate injury continues a worrying trend for Trout, who has seen his playing time increasingly curtailed by various health issues over recent years.
Trout's latest setback came on April 29, just 29 games into the season, by which time he had already hit 10 home runs. Despite these impressive numbers, the injury has kept him off the field ever since, marking another chapter in a series of struggles with his health.
Over the past four seasons, Trout has managed to participate in only 266 of 648 possible games, a mere 41% participation rate. This alarming statistic underlines the persistent challenges the outfielder has faced, raising concerns about his long-term durability. In particular, his performance post-All-Star breaks from 2021 to 2024 tells a similar story, with Trout only managing to appear in 41 games across those four years.
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday next week, the occasion may also mark a significant milestone in reflecting on his career's trajectory. While still a formidable talent on the field, his persistent injuries suggest that his prime years could be numbered, impacting both his gameplay and longevity.
Back in March 2019, Trout signed a massive 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels. Now in the sixth year of that contract, the financial and strategic ramifications for the team are beginning to manifest more clearly. The deal keeps Trout tied to the Angels through 2030, with the franchise committed to paying him $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030, totaling $212.7 million over the period.
Trout's large contract, coupled with the presence of Shohei Ohtani, a dynamic two-way player, has yet to translate into team success. Despite both superstars being on the roster for six seasons, the Angels have neither posted a winning record nor made a postseason appearance during this time.
Under the ownership of Arte Moreno, the team's flexibility to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold has been restricted, compounding their struggles. The only postseason appearance for the Angels during Trout's illustrious career was a quick exit in the 2014 Division Series, where they were swept by the Kansas City Royals.
Nonetheless, Trout has had standout individual seasons, notably winning the MVP award in 2019 and finishing in the top five for MVP voting in 2020. These personal accolades, however, have done little to mask the broader issues plaguing the organization. The team has been criticized for its poor player development, questionable free agent signings, and a series of unproductive trades.
The Angels' decision to shed payroll last August to avoid the competitive balance tax further highlights the financial constraints the team faces. Trout's frequent injuries and the significant sum still owed to him add to the perception that his contract could become a substantial burden for the franchise. Critics often cite these issues when labeling the Los Angeles Angels as one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball.
As the Angels move forward, navigating the challenges presented by Trout's long-term contract and health will be crucial. The hope remains that they can capitalize on his talent while also addressing the broader systemic issues that have impeded their success. Until then, the team and its fans must contend with another season without their star outfielder.