Back in March 2023, the Los Angeles Angels were in a tough spot, not just from an on-field perspective but from a commercial one. That was because the television company that aired the franchise’s games (Bally Sports) filed for bankruptcy. The front office had to choose between staying on the network at a lower rate or shifting to the streaming-first model. Lower revenue meant lower payroll, a situation not ideal for anyone. But in contrast to their forgettable seasons off-late, Arte Moreno and the Angels have secured a long-due victory.

The Angels have secured a new deal with FanDuel Sports Network (which is just newly renamed Bally Sports channels), as reported by the LA Times. The best part is they’ve retained enough revenue to ensure there is no payroll cut. In fact, Arte Moreno said, “We are raising our payroll… We’re going to be working a little bit harder on streaming. There are just so many platforms now.

“During the pandemic, a lot of people went to Netflix. They got used to streaming Disney or ESPN. I think, in the next three to five years, we can continue to have a transition.” Yes, the Angels have a new TV deal, but how does Mike Trout come into the picture? And what were his demands?

In September, the Los Angeles Angels closed their 2024 campaign with an 8-0 defeat against the Texas Rangers, solidifying their worst season in franchise history (63-99). Reflecting on that, Angels manager Ron Washington said, “It didn’t turn out the way we wanted to… But there’s going to be some progress moving forward into ’25, I have no doubt about it.” Well, earlier that week, Mike Trout had shared his thoughts on how that’ll happen.

In an interview with The Athletic, Trout said, “A couple additions in the offseason could make a big difference. It’s all up to the owner. I think that’s where we’re at.” Even during the 2024 Spring Training following a dormant offseason, the center fielder appealed to Arte Moreno, expressing this same sentiment: for the team to add players in free agency. However, that didn’t happen.

“It’s been 10 years now since we’ve made the playoffs. I think that has something to do with it.” The last time the Angels made the playoffs was in 2014. Needless to say, the 33-year-old wants to see something change, especially when it comes to the ownership showing its willingness to invest in the team. And it looks like Arte Moreno has been doing just that, courtesy of the FanDuel deal.

It’s reportedly for three years, providing the Angels with guaranteed revenue while leaving room to join a national MLB streaming package if the league moves in that direction. Major League Baseball hopes to eventually bundle streaming rights for multiple teams into a national package, eliminating local blackouts and offering fans more flexibility.

Despite the positive deal, the situation surrounding the financial health of FanDuel’s parent company remains uncertain, with a bankruptcy court set to review its restructuring plan. The Angels, however, are not involved in the bankruptcy process as they own an equity stake in the FanDuel channel. The financial stability of the new deal should allow the Angels to avoid cuts to their payroll, and it looks like they’re already acting on it by increasing the depth of their roster.

On Wednesday, the Angels signed catcher Travis d’Arnaud from the Braves on a 2-year, $12 million deal. Apart from helping the Angels get back to winning ways, the former All-Star can also mentor catcher Logan O’Hoppe, using his expertise to help develop the team’s young pitching staff, too. Discussing the signing, Angels general manager Perry Minasian said, “Going through the offseason, we felt like adding some experience behind the plate would be really, really important.

“Travis just really stuck out for us. [He’s] someone that could not only play at a high level, but the makeup is off the charts.” The 35-year-old was just the newest name to the list of additions the Angels have made this offseason. D’Arnaud’s news came just a week after the LA-based team signed veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal.

They also acquired infielder Scott Kingery from the Phillies for cash considerations and slugger Jorge Soler from the Braves in exchange for right-hander Griffin Canning. That said, while things are looking up for the 2025 season, the team is still heavily reliant on the health of their star players. Injuries have plagued their two highest-paid players, Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, who combined to play just 19 games together last season. 

Mike Trout’s health in uncertainty 

Mike Trout, once an MVP-level stats producer, has become one of the uncertainties surrounding the Los Angeles Angels. The 33-year-old has battled a lot of injuries in recent years that have kept him sidelined for long periods. Last season, he played just 29 games. Since 2015, the Angels have failed to post a winning record. With Trout in the lineup, the team should have been a worthy contender. 

That inability to compete for championships could very well have been a deciding factor in Shohei Ohtani’s choice to leave for the Dodgers. Trout now has the burden of carrying the team alone. While a designated hitter role could help take off some of the physical toll on his body, it still carries risks. The designated hitter role is often seen as a way to keep aging or injury-prone players fresh, but it comes with its own set of risks. The DH role often leads to more time in the batting cage, where additional swings can increase the risk of injuries, especially for a player with a history of physical setbacks. 

While the DH position is certainly an option for Trout on days when he needs rest from the outfield, it doesn’t look like the Angels plan to rely on it for extended stretches. Instead, they’re likely to continue finding a balance, getting Trout the at-bats he needs to stay sharp without overloading him in the DH spot. This strategy will be key in ensuring that Trout stays as healthy and productive as possible, which is crucial if the Angels are to have any chance of competing in the AL West and beyond.