Mike Trout named All-Star Game starter for first time since 2019

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Angels' Mike Trout named All-Star Game starter for first time since 2019

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 4, 2026 10:19 PM ET

As has typically been the case throughout his career, Mike Trout has been one of the few bright spots for the Los Angeles Angels this season, and it has earned him his 12th career All-Star Game appearance.

Not only is he returning to the mid-summer classic for the first time since the 2023 season, but he has also been named to the starting lineup as an American League outfielder.

Mike Trout earns first All-Star Game start since 2019

It is the first time Trout has been voted in as a starter since the 2019 game in Cleveland. During that season, Trout was still at the height of his powers as a superstar player and was in the process of another MVP season.

He has been named to three All-Star Games since then, but only as a reserve.

Trout's back on the menu @MikeTrout has been selected as a starting American League Outfielder for the 2026 All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/bZAQ61fE6y
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 4, 2026

Trout is currently out of the Angels' lineup with an injury, but is hopeful to appear in the game in some capacity. It remains to be seen what that will look like, or if he will be able to do it.

Trout was born in South Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, where this year's game will be played.

Injuries and his health have been the biggest factors in Trout's decline in recent years. Entering this season, he had appeared in more than 100 games just two times since 2019, and never more than 130 games (which he did a year ago).

He has not appeared in a game for the Angels since June 17.

When he has played, however, he has hit the way baseball fans have been accustomed to seeing him hit throughout his career.

In 74 games this season, he has accumulated 2.8 Wins Above Replacement, while hitting 17 home runs to go with an .866 OPS.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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