For over a decade, Mike Trout was the gold standard in MLB. A three-time MVP, ten-time All-Star and the face of the Angels, he dominated the league with an elite combination of power, speed and defense. However, the narrative has transformed in current years, as injuries have derailed his availability and, in turn, his production.

Now, an effective claim has been made, Trout is no longer an elite player. An analyst argued that availability and production matter more than past accolades. With Mike Trout failing to play more than 82 games in a season since 2020, the issue is a serious one. So, has baseball officially moved on from him as one of its best?

Mike Trout’s injury woes

Since 2020, Mike Trout’s career has been overshadowed by injuries instead of MVP-caliber performances. Once identified as the most complete player, his capability to stay on the field has become an enhancing concern. “Yeah, he is back playing, however, he is never played more than 82 games. Not once since 2020. Not once,” David Samson said.

For a player once viewed as generational, such a lack has cast serious doubt on his long-period effect. Injuries have limited Mike Trout’s playing time and affected his on-field performance. Keep in mind: his power remains intact. Trout still hit 18 home runs in just 82 games in 2023. However, his overall production has decreased. His OPS, which sat at an elite .999 in 2019, dropped to .857 in 2023. In addition, Mike Trout’s stolen bases have totally disappeared. If such a trend continues, the argument that Mike Trout is no longer elite becomes harder to refute.

Another vital issue is whether Mike Trout’s body can manage an entire season. The injuries have not been minor, the calf strain in 2021 kept Trout out for over 100 games. In addition, a back issue in 2022 lingered throughout the season. A torn meniscus in 2024 raised further durability issues. At 33 years old, players do not basically become more durable, making it totally tough for Mike Trout to reclaim his former place as baseball’s top player.

Has new stars surpassed Trout?

While Mike Trout has struggled to stay healthy, baseball has not stopped enhancing. A new generation of superstars has come. Elite production players with durability now guide the game. Shohei Ohtani has dominated as a hitter as well as a pitcher, winning two MVPs in three years. In addition, Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season.

Then there is Mookie Betts, who has continued to provide offensively and defensively. The league has moved forward, and the question is whether Trout is still part of the interaction. David Samson’s claim, “being on the field and producing is way more valuable than saying, look at the back of my baseball card,” effectively captures his dilemma. If Trout can not stay healthy in 2025, the gap between him and such younger talents will just widen.

In addition, availability is not just about personal performance, it affects team success. The Angels, despite having Mike Trout and Ohtani in recent years, have failed to make the playoffs since 2014. Trout’s injuries have made it tough for the team to establish around him, resulting in years of underperformance. In addition, Betts and Acuña have helped their teams to reach deep playoff runs. They have proved that consistent availability is a vital aspect to sustained success. If Trout remains sidelined, the thought process of him as a superstar will continue to fade.

Mike Trout’s talent is undeniable, however, his capability to stay on the field is now a recurrent issue. With younger stars producing at elite levels and staying healthy, the debate over his status as a top player is enhancing. Has baseball moved past Mike Trout? Can Trout still reclaim his elite status? Share your thoughts on his future in the game.