Mike Trout is open to considering a position change after missing 370 games over the past four seasons.
The three-time AL MVP and slugger said before Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox that “everything is on the table” when he rejoins the team during the offseason. That includes moving to the corner outfield position or playing more games as a designated hitter.
“Ultimately, my goal is to be in the batter’s box on the field every day,” said Trout, who spoke to reporters for the first time in nearly two months. “Whether it’s moving to the corner or being more of a DH, that’s something I’ll leave up to the front office to come up with a plan for. Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely trying to explore every option that can keep me there.”
Trout has played in just 266 games since the start of the 2021 season. He saw action in 29 games this season before an MRI confirmed he had torn the meniscus in his left knee. Trout underwent surgery on May 3.
He was set to return in late July before feeling uncomfortable during a rehab appointment with Triple-A Salt Lake. An MRI exam later revealed a new tear above the original one, and he underwent surgery on Aug. 7, his 33rd season.
Truett said he did not know when any of the injuries occurred.
He played 36 games in the 2021 season due to a calf strain. In 2022, he was sidelined for five weeks with a back injury but played in 119 games.
Last year, Formula broke his wrist on a foul in a game at San Diego on July 3. He attempted to return in August but played only one game and finished with 82 tackles.
Formula has made 1,332 of his 1,502 starts in center field over a 14-year career. He has just 90 games in the outfield (77 in left, 13 in right) and 80 games as a designated hitter. He has a career average of .299, but only .214 as a DH.
“I know I have a certain number of years left on my contract, and when I signed my contract I knew I would eventually be a cornerback. But next year? I don’t know. But we’ll talk,” said Trout, whose $426.5 million contract is set to close in 2030.
Trout said he is back to hitting and doing agility drills. He hopes to have a regular training program during the offseason.
Trout led the team with 10 homers at the time of the injury. He is batting .220 with 14 RBIs and six stolen bases.
“I feel confident with where I’ve been, how I’ve been training and how I’ve been training throughout the season,” Trout said. “Coming into the spring, I felt great. So there will definitely be conversations about things I can improve.”
