Mike Trout Moves to Right Field to Stay Healthy

Mike Trout, a star player for the Los Angeles Angels, is moving from center field to right field. This change is to help him stay healthy and play more often. He will also sometimes be a designated hitter to reduce physical strain.
By Newsroom | Baseball, Los Angeles |

Mike Trout, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Angels, is shifting from center field to right field. This move, made at the start of the 2025 season, is intended to help preserve his body and keep him on the field more consistently. While Trout has expressed a desire to return to center field and has a history of success there, the team's strategy prioritizes his long-term health. The player's recent history includes time on the injured list and a dip in performance when playing through injuries.

Historical Context of Mike Trout's Position and Health

For eleven seasons, Mike Trout exclusively played center field, a position that demands significant athleticism and range. In recent years, however, the Angels have implemented strategies to manage his workload and health.

  • 2023-2024 Season: Trout experienced injuries, including knee soreness aggravated by running out a ground ball. During this period, his on-field presence was limited, with his batting statistics reflecting a decrease in overall games played.

  • 2025 Spring Training: The decision to move Trout to right field was made after discussions with team management. This change allows him to continue playing in the outfield while reducing some of the demands of center field.

  • Designated Hitter Role: To further manage his physical exertion, Trout will also mix in days as a designated hitter. This provides an opportunity for him to contribute offensively without the rigors of fielding.

Player's Perspective on Position Change

Mike Trout has voiced his preference for playing center field, indicating he does not enjoy the designated hitter role. Reports suggest he wants to return to his long-standing position.

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MLB in brief: Mike Trout wants to return to center field | Roman Anthony at the World Baseball Classic - 1

"The player, who does not like being a designated hitter, also said he was not sure about going to the World Baseball Classic." (Dose.ca)

Despite his personal preference, Trout has acknowledged the team's objective. He has stated he is "all for it" if the move to right field aids his health and benefits the team.

"He understood it, but you better believe it provided all the motivation he needed to prove everyone wrong once again this year. Yet, if the move helps keep him healthy and is better for the team, he says he’s all for it." (USA Today)

Team's Rationale for the Move

The Los Angeles Angels' management, including General Manager Perry Minasian and Manager Ron Washington, made the decision to move Trout to right field primarily to enhance his availability.

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"For us, it's just keeping him on the field." (ESPN)

The demands of center field, such as backing up plays in left and right field, are seen as contributing factors to player fatigue and potential injury. Moving to right field is expected to mitigate some of these physical stresses. While Jo Adell has experience in center field, his defensive capabilities have been noted as a potential weakness.

MLB in brief: Mike Trout wants to return to center field | Roman Anthony at the World Baseball Classic - 2

Performance Metrics and Health Trends

Trout's on-field production has remained potent when he has been available. However, his availability has been a consistent concern.

Metric2023-2024 Combined
Games Played111
Batting Average.252
On-Base %.357
Slugging %.504
Home Runs28
RBIs58

This data suggests that while Trout's power has been evident, his overall impact has been limited by the number of games he has played. Adjusting his position is an attempt to improve these figures by increasing his playing time.

Broader Implications for the Angels and Player's Legacy

The move to right field signifies a shift in how the Angels are managing one of their franchise players. The goal is to prolong his career and maximize his contributions, particularly as he ages and his body undergoes natural changes. This strategy aims to allow Trout to remain a productive member of the team and potentially solidify his legacy, despite no longer being considered "MLB's best player" by some assessments. The team hopes this change will help him stay healthy for the 2025 season and beyond.

Expert Commentary

Several reports indicate that the decision was a collaborative one, with Trout participating in discussions about his future role. Manager Ron Washington and GM Perry Minasian met with Trout to inform him of the change, and he appeared to accept the reasoning. This suggests a shared understanding of the need to adapt to maintain his health.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The transition of Mike Trout to right field represents a significant strategic adjustment by the Los Angeles Angels. Driven by a clear objective to enhance player availability and mitigate injury risks, the team is prioritizing health in the latter stages of Trout's career. While the player has expressed a desire to continue playing his traditional center field position, the move to right field, coupled with periodic use as a designated hitter, is intended to optimize his performance and longevity. The effectiveness of this plan will be closely monitored throughout the 2025 season as the Angels aim to keep their star player on the field and productive.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mike Trout moving to right field?
He is moving to right field to help protect his body and play more games. Center field is harder on the body.
Q: Will Mike Trout only play right field?
No, he will also be a designated hitter on some days. This means he will not have to field at all.
Q: Does Mike Trout want to move to right field?
He prefers playing center field. But he says he will do it if it helps him stay healthy and helps the team.
Q: How has Mike Trout's health been?
He has had some injuries in recent years and has missed some games. The team wants to help him play more.
Q: What does this mean for the Angels?
The team hopes this change will help their star player stay on the field more often and be productive.