Bold claim: Mike Trout is aiming to reclaim center field to unlock his best version, even as health concerns linger from past seasons. And this is where the real shifts begin...
Angels star Mike Trout signaled a return to center field for the upcoming season, after spending 2024 primarily in right field to ease wear on his body. Speaking ahead of the Angels’ first full-squad spring workout, Trout said center field feels like his natural fit and that he’s most effective there. “I just feel more comfortable out there. I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center. But if I have to go to the corner, I’ll go to the corner.”
Manager Kurt Suzuki confirmed Trout approached him about a center-field reversion. The club is open to testing it, with Trout expected to work at all three outfield spots during spring training.
“It’s always nice to have some flexibility, but he does prefer center field and we’re going to take a look,” Suzuki said. “We’ve got spring training to see how he feels out there in center, but that’s the plan right now.”
A history of injuries haunted Trout for much of the past four years. A move to right field last year was intended to relieve stress, but he appeared in 22 games there before injuring his knee while running the bases. He missed a month and spent the remainder of the season at designated hitter.
Trout reports his knee feels better now. He also noted a winter weight drop of five to six pounds, which he believes should lessen the physical load.
Despite the shift, he made it clear right field isn’t easier for him. “Honestly, I felt like when I was in center, it was less on my body,” Trout said. “To be honest, right field felt like I was running a lot. It’s just a preference thing. Talking to some other outfielders, they feel the same way sometimes, that center is less on your legs. I just feel more confident in center.”
The tradeoff between center’s wider territory and corner outfielders’ duty to chase more foul balls remains a topic of debate. Additionally, right field often requires backing up plays toward first on grounders to the left side of the infield.
At 34, Trout isn’t sure how many games he can log in center, but he intends to maximize availability. “I want to be out there as much as I can,” he said. “We’ve got a good game plan. If I need a day or if I feel something and need to get off my feet a little, I’ll talk to Zuk. We have a good open conversation.”
If Trout can anchor center regularly, the Angels’ roster aligns more smoothly. Jo Adell excels in right, and newly acquired Josh Lowe has spent most of his career in the corner. It remains to be seen whether Lowe or Adell shifts to left if center is manned by Trout.
Jorge Soler projects best as a designated hitter. Last season, with Trout healthy at DH, Soler spent 40 innings in the outfield and endured multiple injuries, highlighting why a reliable defensive herder in center matters.
The organization could also rely on Bryce Teodosio or non-roster invitee José Siri as backup outfield options. Either could patrol center late in games while Trout shifts to a corner.
Beyond defense, Trout’s plate production remains the headline. The Angels sacrificed some power by trading Taylor Ward, leaving Trout to recapture a portion of his elite offense. A three-time MVP, Trout owns a career OPS of .976; in 2025, he posted 26 homers with a .797 OPS.
After a midseason dip, Trout finished strong, delivering five homers in his final seven games. He credited a mechanical tweak for the late-season surge and said he maintained that swing pattern through the winter.
“Just keeping the same routine,” Trout said. “Been working on it these last few weeks. Had some good conversations with the hitting coaches in the offseason. They’re on the same page, and we’re going to build off what I had at the end of last year.”
Trout also expressed disappointment about missing the World Baseball Classic this year. As Team USA’s captain in 2023, he hoped to play again, but insurance constraints prevented participation. “It’s disappointing. I definitely wanted to run it back.”
Would you line up Trout in center full-time if health holds—and which players should fill the corners around him? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments.
