Angels' possible plan for Mike Trout isn't the answer

The Los Angeles Angels attempted to transition outfielder Mike Trout to right field in 2025 in an attempt to keep him healthy for a full season. A bone bruise to his left knee led to Trout becoming the Angels' primary designated hitter, though he received occasional playing time in the outfield.

That may be a temporary change. Rhett Bollinger from MLB.com reported that the Angels are considering moving Trout back to center. 

Moving Trout back to center may be a matter of necessity. The Angels used Jo Adell as their primary center fielder in 2025, which proved to be a disaster defensively. FanGraphs rated Adell as the worst center fielder in the majors with a minimum of 250 innings at the position last year as he cost the Angels 13 runs. Bryce Teodosio was better defensively, saving seven runs, but produced a mediocre .203/.248/.304 batting line in his 138 plate appearances. 

Los Angeles Angels putting Mike Trout back in center a temporary solution

Despite missing a month due to the bone bruise, Trout appeared in 130 games, his highest total since 2019. Trout also had what could arguably be considered his worst season in the majors since a 40-game cameo in 2011, posting a .232/.359/.439 batting line with 26 homers and 14 doubles over his 556 plate appearances.

Trout may not be the answer in center in 2026 even if his durability concerns are ignored. He cost the Angels four runs in center between 2021 and 2024 as his defense started to slide. His last game in center came on April 29, 2024, nearly two years from Opening Day on March 26, 2026. At 34 years old, Trout is not getting any quicker, especially with the wear and tear on his body.

Even if Trout is able to handle center physically in 2026, he may be a temporary solution. Outfield prospect Nelson Rada reached Triple-A as a 19-year-old and more than held his own with a .323/.433/.416 batting line over 201 plate appearances while stealing 20 bases. If Rada can continue to perform well at Triple-A in 2026, he could find himself in the majors sooner rather than later. In that case, Trout could either return to right field or the DH spot, improving the chances he can stay healthy in the upcoming season.