Mike Trout is open to the possibility of changing his position after missing 370 games over the past four seasons.
The Los Angeles Angels star and three-time American League MVP mentioned before Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox that “everything’s on the table” when he talks with the team in the offseason.
This could include moving to a corner outfield spot or playing more as a designated hitter.
“My goal is to be in the lineup every day, whether that means moving to a corner outfield position or DHing more,” Trout said, speaking to reporters for the first time in nearly two months.
“I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Given my recent history, I’m definitely willing to explore all options to stay on the field.”
Trout has played in just 266 games since the beginning of the 2021 season. He appeared in 29 games this season before an MRI revealed a torn meniscus in his left knee. He had surgery on May 3.
He was expected to return in late July, but after feeling discomfort during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake, another MRI found a new tear. He had season-ending surgery on August 7, his 33rd birthday.
Trout mentioned he didn’t know when both injuries happened.
In 2021, he played only 36 games due to a strained calf. In 2022, he missed five weeks with a back injury but played 119 games.
Last year, he broke a bone in his hand on July 3 and, after attempting a return in August, played in just one game, ending the season with 82 games played.
Trout has started 1,332 of 1,502 games in center field during his 14-year career. He has played 90 games in the corners (77 in left field, 13 in right field) and 80 games as a designated hitter. He has a career .299 batting average but only .214 as a DH.
