Mike Trout to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season with Torn Meniscus
Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian announced a significant blow to the team’s aspirations as star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the rest of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This injury marks another chapter in a series of setbacks for one of baseball's most transcendent talents.
Trout, who celebrated his 33rd birthday this week, has been sidelined since April 29, the day he initially tore his meniscus. In what was supposed to be a triumphant season, Trout managed to play just 29 games before his injury, during which he showcased his usual prowess by slugging 10 home runs.
However, injuries have significantly impacted Trout's availability on the field. Over the past four seasons, various ailments have limited him to just 266 out of a possible 648 games. This troubling 41% participation rate highlights the ongoing challenges the Angels face in keeping their star player healthy and in the lineup.
Examining Trout's performance post-All-Star breaks over the last four years reveals a similarly concerning pattern. From 2021 to 2024, the outfielder was able to participate in only 41 games, further underscoring his struggles with durability as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
Trout's monumental 12-year, $426.5 million extension signed in 2019 was meant to secure his presence as a cornerstone of the Angels' future. Now, entering the sixth year of that contract, the financial and strategic implications are becoming increasingly apparent. The Angels are committed to paying Trout $35.45 million annually from 2025 to 2030, summing up to a staggering $212.7 million.
Unfortunately, despite having both Mike Trout and the dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani on their roster for six seasons, the Angels have failed to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance. Their only postseason appearance during Trout's illustrious career came in 2014, ending in a series sweep by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series.
Team owner Arte Moreno's decision to impose a restriction on exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold has further complicated team-building efforts. The Angels' attempt to avoid this tax by shedding payroll last August illustrates the franchise’s ongoing financial struggles.
Issues with poor player development, questionable free-agent signings, and a series of unsuccessful trades have only added to the Angels' woes. The once-promising 2019 season, in which Trout earned MVP honors, now feels like a distant memory. Despite his top-five MVP finish in 2020, sustained success has eluded the team.
As Trout's frequent injuries continue to erode his playing time, the substantial financial commitment made by the Angels is increasingly viewed as a potential burden. With nearly half of his contract still remaining, the question looms large over whether Trout can regain his form and stay healthy enough to deliver value commensurate with his salary.
The Los Angeles Angels have often been labeled as one of Major League Baseball's most mismanaged franchises. The confluence of Trout's injuries, the hefty contract, and the team's inability to construct a winning roster has contributed to this perception. Unless significant changes are enacted, the Angels' struggles seem poised to continue, much to the dismay of their loyal fan base.
For now, the baseball world must come to terms with the unfortunate reality that Mike Trout, once the epitome of reliability and excellence, faces an uphill battle in reclaiming his former glory. As the Angels navigate the remainder of the 2024 season without their star player, the future remains uncertain, and the window for success appears narrower than ever.