Angels' Mike Trout Makes Franchise History on Opening Day Against Astros

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Angels' Mike Trout Makes Franchise History on Opening Day Against Astros

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Troy Lippman | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 4:00 PM ET

Mike Trout is one of the greatest players the Los Angeles Angels have drafted in their franchise's history. He heads into his age-34 season looking to be a veteran leader on a young Angels team still searching for a playoff appearance for the first time since 2014.

Trout is coming off a season in which he hit just .232, with 26 home runs, 64 RBIs and a .797 OPS in 456 at bats. He still gets on base at a high rate and hits home runs but his batting average has declined the past couple seasons due to his injury problems.

Staying healthy has been a problem for Trout throughout his career but he's maintained his status as a consistent force at the top of the Angels lineup for over a decade.

Trout will make his 14th career Opening Day start with the Angels on Thursday against the Houston Astros, surpassing the previous franchise record of 13 held by former All‑Star outfielder Garret Anderson (h/t Taylor Blake Ward, Baseball America).

Mike Trout is making his 14th Opening Day start in an Angels uniform, which surpasses Garret Anderson (13) for the most in franchise history
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) March 26, 2026

It's an impressive feat for a player to spend the entirety of his career with one team as Trout has done so far. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft out of high school, Trout has turned into of the faces of the league despite the injuries.

In his career, he has won three MVP awards, is an 11-time All-Star and a nine-time Silver Slugger. He has accumulated a career .294 batting average, 404 home runs, 1,018 RBIs and .976 OPS in 5,967 at bats.

He's suffered consistent injuries over the past five seasons including a broken hand, strained calf, inflamed back and torn meniscus. When healthy he remains one of the leagues best players despite being in his mid 30's and later stage of his career.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Trout has hit over 30 home runs in eight separate seasons displaying his elite power and consistent contact skills. Trout also was an excellent base stealer with great speed in center field early in his career which has declined to due several knee injuries.

The Angels moved Trout to DH in 2025 after playing for a month in right field after another knee ailment but he looks to return to the outfield in 2026. How much outfield Trout plays remains to be seen as it will come down to how much he will be able to handle with his recurring injuries.

The Angels will need Trouts bat in the lineup if they want to remain competitive in a difficult AL West division.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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