Mike Trout says move away from center field possible next year

Mike Trout, working his way back from two knee surgeries, acknowledged that a move away from center field could be in his future.

The Los Angeles Angels superstar had his left meniscus repaired in early May and needed a second operation on the knee in July, which ended his season. He talked about his recovery on Monday ahead of the team’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox in Anaheim, California.

Trout, 33, a three-time American League MVP, has averaged just 66.5 games over the past four seasons.

Looking ahead to his return next year and where he might fit on the field, Trout said, “I think everything’s on the table. Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter’s box, in the field, every single day. Whether that’s moving to a corner [outfield position] or DHing more, I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there.”

Trout signed a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels in March 2019, yet the most games he has played in a season since then was 119 in 2022.

“I think there’s definitely going to be some conversations [about my position] in the offseason,” Trout said. “It’s reality. I know I have a certain amount of years on my deal, and I knew when I signed my contract, I’d eventually move to a corner. But is it next year? I don’t know. But we’ll have conversations.”

Trout saw time in left field and right field during his first three major league seasons, from 2011 to 2013, starting a total of 90 games at those positions. However, he has been strictly a center fielder ever since.

He has started as the Angels’ designated hitter just 80 times in his career, due in part to his expressed preference to avoid that role. The stats also back that desire, as his career numbers as a DH — .214 batting average, .745 on-base-plus-slugging percentage (OPS) — pale when compared to his overall figures of .299 and .991, respectively.

As for his recovery, Trout said, “I feel great. I just started swinging about four or five days ago, just trying to get back into a routine so I can have a normal offseason. It’s getting stronger every day. Feels good being able to move some weight around.”

Trout compiled a .220 average, a .541 OPS, 10 homers and 14 RBIs in 29 games this year. The 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner owns 378 homers and 954 RBIs in 1,518 career games, all with the Angels.

Field Level Media contributed to this story.