Mike Trout Admits Angels Needed Change in Ownership As Arte Moreno Sells Team

Mike Trout expressed excitement for the future as Arte Moreno sold the Los Angeles Angels to Stan Kroenke.

Mike Trout Admits Angels Needed Change in Ownership As Arte Moreno Sells Team

Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

Arte Moreno‘s time as the Los Angeles Angels is coming to an end. On Tuesday, reports emerged that the 80-year-old had agreed to sell the American League side to Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke. While speaking about this development, 12-time All-Star Mike Trout admitted that the team needed a change in ownership.

Moreno acquired the Angels from The Walt Disney Company in a deal worth $183.5 million in 2003. This came just after the Anaheim-based side defeated the San Francisco Giants in the 2002 World Series.

After some decent years, there was a major decline in the Angels. While they won 6 division titles under his ownership, the last decade has been one to forget.

The Angels have not finished with a winning record since 2015. They are also on a long playoff drought and have not made it to the postseason since 2014, when they got swept 3-0 by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series (ALDS).

Their 10-1 win over the New York Yankees on Monday brought an end to a 7-game losing run. With a 7-3 loss on Tuesday, the Angels are 2-8 in their last 10 games.

The team’s repeated failures to make it to the postseason have been a huge stain on the career of Mike Trout. Though the outfielder has won 3 MVP awards and is regarded as one of the best players of this generation, the lack of playoff success has cast a persistent shadow over his otherwise legendary baseball legacy.

Before the game on Tuesday, Trout met with the reporters and was asked about the huge upcoming change. The 35-year-old expressed his excitement for the future and admitted that they needed a change.

I mean, you kind of felt that way, it was needed. No hard feelings to Arte (Moreno). But I’m super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium.

Mike Trout told the reporters

The 2026 season is Trout’s 16th season with the Angels, since his debut in 2011. The American international was selected in the first round of the 2009 draft by the AL West side.

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Mike Trout plans to remain with LA Angels despite ownership change

In his time with the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Trout has played under 7 managers and 5 General Managers. However, he will now have a new owner for the first time in his career. In his conversation with the media, he claimed the new change has not impacted his desire to stay with the Angels.

Mike Trout
Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

Trout has 4 years remaining on his enormous 12-year, $426.5 million deal, which he signed in 2019. With the failures of the Angels in recent seasons, there had been some talk that he would ask for a trade.

However, the player is not looking to play anywhere else. With Stan Kroenke having a winning pedigree with his other clubs, the Angels star is excited to have him as their new owner.

It doesn’t change. I’ve got four years left on my deal. I’m excited. Look, the track record, it’s there (with Kroenke).

Mike Trout told the reporters

Under Kroenke’s ownership, the LA Rams (NFL), the Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Arsenal (English Premier League) have all won championships. The Angels fans are now hoping to see their team bring back the World Series title to Anaheim and return to the top of the MLB mountain under their new owner.

For now, they are 53-86 in 139 games this season. They need to win at least 10 games from their remaining 23 fixtures to avoid finishing the season with 100 losses. As for Trout, he has 20 home runs and 50 RBIs in 120 games this season while batting with a .239 average.

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