Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has no intentions of asking for a trade anytime soon.
The three-time AL MVP said Monday that he wants to remain with the organization that drafted him in 2009 and see the team grow, even though he’s only made one postseason appearance in 13 major league seasons. Specifically, he wants to lead the Angels to the playoffs and the World Series.
“I think the biggest thing right now is taking the easy way out is just to ask for a trade,” Trout said, via The Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher. “There might be a time. Maybe. I really haven’t thought about this. But when I signed that contract, I’m loyal. I want to win a championship here. The overall picture of winning a championship or getting to the playoffs here is bigger satisfaction than bailing out and just taking the easy way out.
“So, I think that’s been my mindset,” Trout continued. “Maybe down the road, if some things change. But that’s been my mindset ever since the trade speculation came up.”
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Trout added that he’s spoken extensively with Angels owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino about certain free agents he wants the team to consider signing, according to The Athletic’s Sam Blum.
The 11-time All-Star is heading into the sixth year of a 12-year $426.5 million contract that links him with the Angels through the 2030 season. Trout’s contract includes a full no-trade clause, allowing him to veto any swap that doesn’t meet his approval.
Trout will return to action this season after missing the second half of the ’23 season due to a broken wrist that required surgery.
