The Los Angeles Angels’ trade for Jorge Soler was somewhat confusing to the baseball world. This move raised a few eyebrows because Soler, a full-time designated hitter for most of his career, was joining a roster that was already planning to use Mike Trout at DH more frequently going forward. The logic behind the trade seemed unclear; there is a possibility of Trout seeing more time at DH. The Angels are likely to limit his DH appearances, and a move to a corner outfield position could be in the cards for the future.

The team seems to have a strategy that balances both Trout’s health and his on-field production, while still getting the most out of their star player. This approach makes sense given Trout’s current situation. While injuries have slowed him in recent years, particularly in his lower body, he’s still one of the best players in the game when healthy.

“Mike Trout is extremely motivated to get back onto the field in 2025″, Angels GM Perry Minasian said on MLB tonight, adding, “He’s a great player and a great person. We need him, and he knows that.” Despite being a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best players of his generation, Trout’s numbers as a DH are worrisome. In 81 career games as a DH, his batting line has been underwhelming.  

The addition of Jorge Soler provides some much-needed pop to the Angels’ lineup. Moreover, Niko Kavadas, the Arizona Fall League superstar, is another player the team will likely rely on to fill DH duties. Kavadas could be an interesting option to rotate into the DH slot, allowing the Angels to balance out their offensive production while giving Mike Trout more time in the outfield. If Trout can return to full health and get back to his usual defensive form, Angels fans can expect him to be a difference-maker in the outfield. 

Angels’ Perry Minasian expects more Mike Trout and others   

The Angels GM is saying now that he needs Trout, but just a month back? He was all about pushing Mike to produce better results. The Los Angeles Angels are in a tough spot heading into the 2025 season, and GM Perry made it clear during his end-of-season press conference. The team is hoping that Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, two of the highest-paid and most talented players on the roster, can stay healthy and contribute more consistently in 2025.  

Trout has had a series of injury setbacks, and the Angels were realizing they can’t rely on him to carry the load as a center fielder every day. Minasian had indicated that Mike Trout may play more in the corners of the outfield and spend more time at DH in 2025. But it’s someone else too that the manager is worried about – Anthony Rendon, who was once a top-tier third baseman but has not been in his former self due to multiple injuries.

Minasian hinted that the veteran could be on his way to a bench role despite still being owed $38.5 million for both 2025 and 2026. That’s bad, especially considering the amount of money invested in Rendon. But his poor performance (and injury woes) have left the team with little choice to no choice. If Trout and Rendon can’t find a way to stay on the field and perform at a high level, the Angels could be facing another bad season.