Mike Trout is moving from center field to right field. The reason is to reduce the wear and tear of playing center.
Interesting because a few years ago, then, Angel Manager Joe Maddon made the suggestion of moving Trout to the right—and Trout shut it down.
Coming into Spring Training 2025, Trout has lost weight and is looking less bulky.
Who’s moving to center?
Keep an eye on Jo Adell, who played right a year ago, will get a look in center, as will Mickey Moniak.
Moniak, the better defender, turns 27 in May. Batting from the left side of the plate, he’s hit 14 homers in each of the last two years but struggles to get on base with a .272 career OBP.
Adell is the one the Angels have been waiting for since taking him 10th overall in 2017. Since reaching the big club in 2020, he’s struggled at the plate until slugging 20 homers a year ago and stealing 15 bases. Standing 6-3/215, in 5 seasons and 1,070 plate appearances, Adell has only batted .211 with a .268 OBP.
For a team with a rich history in center field, Trout started 12 consecutive opening days in center for the Halos.
Alums in the 8-spot include Torii Hunter, Darin Erstad, Jim Edmonds, Devon White, Gary Pettis, Fred Lynn, and Mickey Rivers.
Loading ...
Good to see precautions are being taken to extend the career of Mike.
He is generational and I want many more seasons of him playing. Just take it easy on the A’s.