If there were a loyalty award, Mike Trout would certainly rank among the favorites to win it. After all, despite the Los Angeles Angels’ unfortunate downfall, Trout has become more vocal about his support for the team. But that doesn’t mean the sting of losing doesn’t affect him or his fans. The fact that Shohei Ohtani is now playing in the World Series in his very first season away from the Angels isn’t hidden from anyone. So, can this immediate success of his former teammate push Trout away from Halos?

It’s a question that most neutral fans have asked. With a no-trade clause in Trout’s contract, he can only leave if he wants to. But then, does Trout even want to leave? At least, according to his former Angels teammate, Jered Weaver, he doesn’t want to seek refuge in any other clubhouse, but why? Well, it seems Trout thinks he has a higher chance of immortalizing his legacy with the Angels than with any other team. “I don’t think Trout would ever ask for a trade, that’s not the kind of person he is,” Weaver said about Trout.

The former ace noted how comfortable Trout is in Anaheim and wants to give back to the city by winning a trophy there. In a way, Trout feels that winning even one World Series with the Angels is better than competing for multiple with other teams. The star wants to give back to the city that has been his home for a long time. But then that raised another question: Is Trout just not ambitious or competitive?

The answer to that is a no as well. As Weaver noted on Foul Territory Show, “Nobody wants it more than Mike. He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever been around.” The former ace then explained how Trout always wants to be No. 1, even in ping pong, cards, or pool. So these injury troubles are taking a toll on Trout, who wants to step back and help out his team. But then, with constant injuries – is it time for Mike Trout to call it quits on centerfield?

The defensive future of Mike Trout is in doubt amid Angels’ offseason rumors

It isn’t surprising that more questions are being asked about Mike Trout’s defensive duties. At 33, he’s at an age where outfielders start winding down their defensive duties or move to infield. Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce shifted to first base for this very reason. Harper’s injury history is nowhere near Trout’s; that’s one of the reasons why even Jered Weaver felt that the team should think about moving the 33-year-old away from centerfield. 

Interestingly, even Trout is open to playing as a DH more often after his latest knee bummer. But while the Angels are thinking about that, they also need to focus on their squad as a whole. 2024 was the worst year in the franchise’s history, and that naturally calls for a good offseason. As the Kansas City Royals show – a good offseason can completely change a team’s trajectory (100+ losses in 2023 to playoffs in 2024). But if one listens to famous insider Jon Heyman, even that isn’t guaranteed with the LA Angels.

“They’re still licking their wounds over Rendon and Trout. And obviously, if you’re not willing to spend for Ohtani, who are you gonna spend for?” Heyman said recently. He’s of course, referring to over $70 million of salaries attached to Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Even Arte Moreno noted that this number makes it difficult for Angels to spend more. So, as it stands, Angels and Trout have multiple questions. Do they remain together? Should they shift Trout to a different position? Can they find a way to bypass the salary handicap of their own making? The questions are many but one thing’s constant – Mike Trout’s loyalty.

But will it pay off? What do you think? Share below.