Trout welcomes Angels sale, sees fresh start under Kroenke
Mike Trout said the sale of the Los Angeles Angels to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment brings a change that was needed, and he is excited to meet new owner Stan Kroenke. The three-time AL MVP reiterated his commitment to staying in Anaheim, with four years remaining on his contract. The Angels have not reached the postseason since 2014, the longest active drought in MLB.
Trout's 2019 extension, worth $426.5 million over 12 years, was a record at the time and included a no-trade clause that protects his ability to choose his destination. He has appeared in 119 games this season, marking his first back-to-back seasons of 100-plus games since 2019, and has returned to center field after splitting time between right field and designated hitter in 2025.
The franchise has struggled despite heavy spending on star talent, including Anthony Rendon's seven-year, $245 million contract that required restructuring. The Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian in late June and clinched an 11th consecutive losing season last month, with the team now aiming to avoid its first 100-loss campaign under interim GM John Mozeliak and manager Kurt Suzuki.
This sale could reshape how fans perceive the Angels' long-term competitiveness, as Kroenke's track record with other franchises may signal a shift toward more sustainable team-building. The change may also affect player morale and recruitment, potentially influencing whether other stars view Anaheim as a viable destination. For Trout, the transition could determine whether his final years produce the postseason success that has eluded him throughout his career.