Mike Trout opens up about possible trade after Stan Kroenke agrees to buy Angels

Almost immediately after it was learned on Tuesday that Stan Kroenke had agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, members of the MLB community wondered what the transaction could mean for the future of star outfielder Mike Trout. 

Trout famously signed a remarkable 12-year contract reportedly worth $426M that included a full no-trade clause prior to the 2019 season. While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, the 35-year-old indicated he wants to finish that deal as a member of the Angels.

Mike Trout "excited" about future of Angels under Stan Kroenke

"No, it doesn’t change," Trout responded when asked if Moreno’s departure impacts the slugger's will to stay put, per Ryan Anderson of The California Post. "I got four years left on my deal. I’m excited. Look, the track record, it’s there." 

Trout has been the subject of trade rumors for years, and such chatter has grown louder since two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani left the Angels to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers following the 2023 season. While Trout is a three-time American League MVP who was seen as a potential all-time great before he experienced numerous injury setbacks, he has thus far appeared in just three playoff games. Meanwhile, the Angels haven't participated in the postseason since 2014. 

MLB insiders Alden Gonzalez and Buster Olney of ESPN mentioned that it "seems more likely" that Trout "does not want to leave the Angels or, just as relevant, his summer spot in Orange County." 

"It was already going to be exceedingly difficult to find a taker for Trout's contract, which will pay him $141.8M from 2027 to 2030," Gonzalez explained. "Perhaps now, at least for another year, that won't be necessary."

Mike Trout: Angels "needed" new leadership at the top

Kroenke has guided the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, NBA's Denver Nuggets and NHL's Colorado Avalanche to championships as an owner. Trout noted that one Rams player "had some really good things to say" about what Kroenke has done for the club that began Wednesday as the betting favorites to win Super Bowl LXI.

"It was needed," Trout added about the Angels' fresh start under Kroenke. "No bad things, no hard feelings against Arte. But yeah, I’m super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium, and we’re all excited."