Mike Trout's position change may reshape Nelson Rada's path to majors

Nelson Rada could be the Angels' future center fielder

Nelson Rada is one of the top Angels, and according to some reports, he may get called up in 2026. Why does this matter? The 20-year-old Rada is expected to play center field. However, he was reassigned to minor league camp this spring, which means they are not in a rush to bring him up as early as opening day.

Because of Trout’s return to center field, Rada is certainly not being called up early in the season, barring any injuries. Los Angeles clearly wants to see Rada develop in the minors more. It makes sense to be patient, as Rada still has an area of his game to fine-tune. But several reports state Rada may get called up in 2026.

Rada has already made an impression throughout the organization. His speed jumps out right away. So does the defense. He covers ground in center field with ease, and that ability has kept him on the radar as one of the most intriguing young players in the system.

There is also the offensive profile. Rada has shown his ability to get on base, which is why scouts frequently picture him near the top of a lineup someday.

But nobody has questioned his ability.

Will Mike Trout and Rada's timeline intersect?

The biggest issue is figuring out the right time to pull the trigger on him.

Trout may not want to get comfortable in center field because his and Rada’s timelines may intersect.

Over the last few seasons, the Angels have taken a careful approach with Mike Trout. Injuries forced the Angels to be creative with Trout’s playtime. Some nights he played right field, and other nights he served as the designated hitter.

Now Trout wants center field back.

Trout is clearly feeling physically ready to take on the position again. Center field is not a position you volunteer for unless you believe you can still handle it. If he proves that across a full season, the Angels will gladly take the stability.

At the same time, the organization has not lost sight of the future.

Prospects like Rada rarely follow the timeline teams draw up for them. Sometimes development takes longer than expected. Other times, a player forces the issue. If Rada starts hitting in the minors and keeps getting on base the way many expect, the Angels could face an interesting situation.

The future center fielder might arrive while the current one is still standing there.

That does not automatically create a problem. Trout has moved around the outfield before and could easily shift again. Right field remains an option. So does more time at designated hitter.

The present and the future

Trout's return to center field is about the present. The Angels want to win games and keep their most recognizable player healthy while doing it.

Rada, of course, represents the future.

If Rada pushes his way onto the roster later this season, the Angels may find themselves dealing with two different timelines at the same time.

One belongs to the player who has carried the franchise for more than a decade. The other may belong to the one