Mike Trout Considers Returning to Center Field
Mike Trout has expressed a desire to play center field again. The 34-year-old shared his thoughts with reporters on Monday, revealing that he feels more at ease in that position compared to right field. It seems that he and the Angels’ new manager, Kurt Suzuki, have already engaged in promising talks about this potential shift.
Trout mentioned that being in center field is generally easier on his body, which is significant given his recent injury history. A note from ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez highlighted that Trout is not fond of being a designated hitter either and played 106 games in 2025, including 22 in right field—though that decision was made collaboratively before the season.
Over the years, Trout has found himself spending more time on the injured list than he’d like. His ongoing health issues appear to drive his goal to return to center field where he has thrived before.
Since 2019, Trout hasn’t played more than 130 games in a season, impacted by various injuries including a torn meniscus that ended his 2024 season and a fractured hamate bone in 2023 that sidelined him for 89 games. 2022 brought a rare back condition to his diagnosis list as well.
In 2025, he managed to play more games than he had since 2019, but his performance wasn’t up to his usual standards. With 26 home runs and 64 RBIs, his batting average dropped to .232/.359/.439, far removed from the accolades that once defined his career, such as three MVP awards and 11 All-Star selections.
It’s unclear if Trout will definitely make the move to center field. With the recent trade of Taylor Ward to Baltimore, the Angels may offer Trout enhanced options in the outfield. Players like Joe Adell, Jorge Soler, and Josh Lowe are also on the team, with Adell having spent much of last year in center, although defensively he wasn’t a standout, which might aid Trout in his transition.
The Angels could certainly benefit from Trout’s reliable output as they navigate their ongoing struggles. However, it’s worth noting that Trout has only made one postseason appearance—back in 2014—which also marked the last time the Angels qualified for the playoffs, leading to the league’s longest current drought.
Last season, the Angels ended last in the American League West for a second consecutive year, recording 72 wins against 90 losses.
With Ron Washington’s absence due to health issues, Suzuki steps in as the new manager. Having played his final two seasons with the Angels in 2021 and 2022, he has a unique connection to the team. If Suzuki aims for a competitive 2026 season, securing the best version of Trout could be crucial. Perhaps a return to center field is just the right move to reignite that spark.
