Heading into 2024, the Los Angeles Angels have a ton of production to replace with Shohei Ohtani departing the team. Luckily for them, they still have star outfielder Mike Trout on the roster.
Trout remains one of the top players in the game today, and he will be looking to prove himself with his former running mate now in Los Angeles. The three-time MVP winner will be looking to set the tone, and the Angels are hoping for a classic season from Trout.
MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger is predicting that Trout will bounce back in 2024, and have himself another MVP type of season.
Angels: Mike Trout will have another MVP-caliber season
“Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, didn’t quite have his normal numbers when he suffered a left hamate fracture on a swing on July 3 that essentially ended his season. But he was heating up at that point and it’s likely he would’ve had another incredible second half. It was a fluke injury and Trout otherwise stayed healthy. He could also get more at-bats at designated hitter now that Shohei Ohtani isn’t on the roster, which could keep him fresh. Trout, 32, will be on a mission to prove he’s still one of the game’s best players and will once again prove why he’s the best player of his generation.”
Per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com
It remains to be seen what the Angels will do at the designated hitter spot, but Trout would be a great option. Taking him out of the field would lessen the chance of injury, and could help him prolong his career.
The Angels could even have a rotating designated hitter, with Trout being one of the main options. While he did have a down 2023 season by his standards, Trout remains optimistic about his ability.
On a per-game basis, few baseball players offer their team more. That talent could manifest in a big way next season if Trout stays healthy. The Halos are banking on it, and the hope is that Trout can show he still has plenty of juice left in the tank.