Mike Trout’s legacy isn’t up for debate, but his durability? That’s a different story. In the last four seasons, the Angels standout player has sat out 59% of his team’s games due to a string of injuries that have hampered the performance of this exceptional all-around athlete in the game. With each setback, he faces questions about his status among the top-tier players in baseball. But despite his declining availability, Mets’ ex-GM Steve Phillips still believes Trout remains one of the game’s top performers.

His raw talent hasn’t disappeared. Even in a limited 2024 season, his power remained impressive with a.220 batting average alongside 10 home runs and 14 RBIs while also scoring 17 runs and stealing 6 bases successfully. Proving his exceptional power on the field is not in question; it’s more about keeping him healthy to truly leave a mark on the game. Mike Trout seems to have lost his edge as a speed demon and his position in the outfield is also changing accordingly.

So where does that leave Mike Trout heading into 2025?

In a recent MLB Network’s X video of Top 100 players, Steve Phillips defended Mike Trout. He said, “I want to hold on to the hope that he’s going to stay healthy, he’s going to be back, and he will return to being that elite player. It’s just about playing time right now because even in limited playing time, he’s still an elite performer.”

Meanwhile, the consensus among analysts seems to be that Trout can still hit, but his days as a dynamic, all-around force are likely over as his injury troubles have mounted in recent years.

In 2021, a right calf strain, initially deemed minor, cost him 126 games. The following season, he faced challenges with costovertebral dysfunction, an unusual spinal ailment. Yet he remarkably achieved 40 home runs in just 119 games. The year 2023 saw him sidelined for a significant part of the season due to a left hamate bone fracture. Then in 2024, a left meniscus tear and rehab attempts led to further setbacks.

With Mike Trout’s recurring lower-body injuries and mounting durability concerns as he enters his mid-30s, his days as an elite all-around athlete appear to be fading. His speed, once a defining weapon, has declined, making stolen bases a rarity. His ability to patrol center field is also in question. New Angels manager Ron Washington will likely shift him to left field or DH, reducing his defensive impact but hopefully keeping him on the field.

Yet Phillips refuses to discount him. Given that Mike Trout was a “top-three player on MLB Network’s Top 100 list for 11 years, ranking No. 1 eight times,” it raises questions not about his skill but about his durability in the long term. If Trout maintains his presence on the field without any setbacks or injuries, there is every indication that he will continue to deliver performance statistics.

What If? Imagining Trout in another Jersey

Mike Trout has represented the Angels for over ten years as their figurehead; however, contemplate a scenario where he joins a different team. Though improbable due to his contract and no trade clause, if he were to consider a change for a new beginning several teams could present appealing opportunities.

The Philadelphia Phillies hold value as his beloved childhood favorite team and the prospect of playing with Bryce Harper in a lineup adds to the allure. The question however is whether any team would be willing to take on his contract given his injury history. Or whether the Orange County fanbase would even consider giving up their star despite his lack of production.

The Angels would likely need to eat a significant portion of the $426 million deal to facilitate a move. A trade could also involve prospects rather than major league-ready talent, signaling a shift toward a full rebuild. If Trout were to land on a contender with a deep roster, a reduced workload could help preserve his bat for the long haul.

In essence, the Angels must decide whether to push for his full availability or accept a reduced role to extend his longevity. If not done, the Angels risk another season of wondering what could have been.

What do you think of Steve Phillips’ idea of Mike Trout? Let us know below.