Angels' Mike Trout says he'd prefer returning to center field

Star slugger cites less physical demand in familiar position

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout says he would prefer to return to playing center field, citing it as less physically demanding on his body compared to the corner outfield spots. Trout, a 11-time All-Star and 3-time American League MVP, has been plagued by injuries since 2021 and played mostly as a designated hitter last season after a knee injury sidelined him for a month. Trout also says he will skip the upcoming World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues.

Why it matters

Trout's preference to return to center field could help manage his injury history and keep him on the field more consistently for the Angels, who are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 season. His absence from the World Baseball Classic also represents a notable loss for Team USA as they aim to defend their title.

The details

Trout played his most games since 2019 last season, finishing at 130. The three-time American League MVP started 22 of his first 29 games in right field before a knee injury sidelined him for a month. The 34-year-old was exclusively a designated hitter when he returned in late May. Trout had 26 home runs but hit just .232, by far the worst average of his career when he had at least 400 at-bats.

  • Trout played his most games since 2019 last season, finishing at 130.
  • Trout started 22 of his first 29 games in right field before a knee injury sidelined him for a month.
  • Trout was exclusively a designated hitter when he returned in late May.

The players

Mike Trout

An 11-time All-Star and 3-time American League MVP for the Los Angeles Angels who has been plagued by injuries since 2021.

Kurt Suzuki

The first-year manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

Roman Anthony

A promising young outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has been named as a Team USA injury replacement for the World Baseball Classic.

Corbin Carroll

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has a broken bone in his right hand and will miss the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I'm at my best when I'm in center. If I have to go to the corner, I'll go to the corner.”

— Mike Trout (abc30.com)

“When I was in center, it was less on my body than the corners. To be honest, in right field I felt I was running a lot. Talking to some other outfielders and they're saying that they feel the same way sometimes, center is less on your legs. I just feel ... confident in center.”

— Mike Trout (abc30.com)

“It's disappointing. I wanted to run it back with all the guys.”

— Mike Trout (abc30.com)

The takeaway

Trout's preference to return to center field could help manage his injury history and keep him on the field more consistently for the Angels, who are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 season. However, his absence from the World Baseball Classic also represents a notable loss for Team USA as they aim to defend their title.