Los Angeles Angels General Manager Perry Minasian has confirmed today that star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This announcement marks a significant setback for the Angels, as Trout has been unable to play since April 29, the date of his initial injury.
Before his season was cut short, Trout had appeared in only 29 games but had already managed to hit 10 home runs. Trout's career has been marred by various injuries, limiting him to just 266 of 648 possible games, translating to a participation rate of only 41% over the past four seasons.
A Lingering Problem
Trout's history of injuries doesn't just affect his current season. A deep dive into his post-All-Star break performances from 2021 to 2024 paints a similar picture. Across those four seasons, Trout played in just 41 games after the break. This pattern, combined with his upcoming 33rd birthday next week, raises inevitable questions about his future durability and overall career trajectory.
The timing of these injuries is particularly frustrating for both Trout and the franchise, given the substantial financial commitment the Angels have made to him. In March 2019, Trout signed a massive 12-year, $426.5 million extension, a deal designed to keep him in Anaheim through 2030. Year six of that contract is proving costly, both financially and strategically, as the Angels grapple with the implications of having one of the game's most talented but frequently unavailable players.
Financial Burden and Team Challenges
From 2025 to 2030, the Angels are set to pay Trout an annual salary of $35.45 million, amounting to $212.7 million over six years. This financial commitment is compounded by the team's broader struggles. With both Trout and the dynamic Shohei Ohtani on the roster for six seasons, the Angels have yet to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance. The lone playoff berth during Trout's career came in 2014 when the Angels were swept in the Division Series by the Kansas City Royals.
Team management under Arte Moreno has imposed restrictions on exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold, further complicating their ability to build a competitive roster. Last August, the Angels shed payroll to avoid this tax, underscoring ongoing financial constraints within the organization. These decisions reflect larger systemic issues, including poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades.
The Cost of Injuries
Trout's frequent injuries and the significant financial burden the Angels bear have led to a growing perception that his contract could become a substantial hindrance for the franchise. Even with exceptional on-field talent, his limited availability has prevented the Angels from capitalizing on his peak years effectively.
The narrative of the Angels as one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball continues to persist. Despite Trout’s MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020, those moments of individual brilliance have not translated into team success. The broader vision intended by signing Trout to such an extensive contract has thus far been unfulfilled, raising critical questions about the organization's direction.
As Trout marks another year and another injury, the Angels must reassess their strategies and make crucial decisions about their future. Revamping player development, making smarter signings, and navigating the financial landscape prudently will be essential if they hope to maximize the remaining years of Trout’s contract and eventually find sustained success on the field.