11x All-Star Mike Trout to transition into right field from 2025 season following recent health struggles

3-time American League MVP Mike Trout is shifting to the right field from the 2025 season as a result of his health issues.

11x All-Star Mike Trout to transition into right field from 2025 season following recent health struggles

Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

There seems to be a major change coming for Mike Trout. The 11-time MLB All-Star will be moving to the right field permanently from the 2025 season due to his health issues.

The American international has been playing in the center field in his entire career. Over the years gone by, he has suffered several injuries and missed out huge portions of the season. To avoid any more injuries and stay fit, the 3-time AL MVP is making a huge transition at this stage of his career.

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Last season, Trout played just 29 games as he was once again plagued with injuries. Trout underwent a meniscus surgery on his knee in May. A few months later, he was forced to undergo a second meniscus surgery, thus ruling him out for the entire year.

The most games Trout has played in the last four years is in the 2022 season where he managed to take part in 119 games. In 2021, he was limited to just 36 games. As for 2023, he did take part in 82 games but once again found himself switching places on the roster and the injured list.

While he is fully fit now, he and the team management are now making a big decision. From now on, Trout will play as the right fielder instead of the center field.

It went great and and of just threw everything on the table, as in, what’s best for me, body-wise, to keep me on the field. Came to conclusion that I’m gonna go to right field. I like it, I’ll try it out, see where it goes.

Mike Trout told the reporters at the Spring Training

With Trout moving to right field, the question arises of whom the Los Angeles Angels could deploy in the center field. Left fielder Taylor Ward could be transitioned to the center field. The team could also try out a combination of Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak for this position.

Mike Trout ‘fired up’ after low ranking in MLB Network’s top 100 players list

As Mike Trout prepares for the 2025 season, he seems to be “fired up”. A few days ago, the MLB Network released a list of the top 100 players right now in the league. While his former teammate Shohei Ohtani came in as No.1, Trout was ranked as the 39th-best player in the league. The 33-year-old is using this as a motivation for the next season.

Mike Trout
Mike Trout (Image via Imago)

While Trout is considered by many as one of the greats of the game, the MLB Network ranks players regarding their performances recently. With him spending the majority of time on the shelf, his rankings have taken a hit. It is also important to note that he was ranked as the No.1 player 8 times from the 2013 season.

Speaking on this with the reporters, Trout did admit that he knew where he stood at the moment.

They’re going off the last couple years and I haven’t been out there. That’s their ranking, I know where I stand… Stuff like that I think fires you up a little bit.

Mike Trout told the reporters

Trout’s absence was a major blow to the Angels last season. Having already lost Ohtani, the loss of Trout saw them spiral down to the bottom of the AL West. They almost ended up losing 100 games as they finished with a record of 63-99. This is something they will be looking to turn around in the 2025 campaign.