How Mike Trout Was 'Left Behind' As Shohei Ohtani Wins Two Rings
Mike Trout has not played in a postseason game since 2014, marking the longest active drought for a player of his caliber. As a three-time MVP, Trout approaches the final phase of his career with the Los Angeles Angels without recent playoff appearances.
Career Highlights and Postseason Absence
The 34-year-old center fielder has accumulated an 87.5 WAR, the highest by a modern player who has never won a postseason game. Since being swept in the 2014 ALDS by Kansas City, Trout and the Angels have not reached the playoffs. The franchise itself has not won a postseason game since 2009, the year Trout was drafted.
Contract and Commitment to the Angels
In March 2019, Trout signed a 12-year, $426 million contract extension, which was the richest ever in North American sports at the time. This deal remains active, with around $190 million left, running through 2030.
"I've got (five) more years on the contract," Trout said in September. "I feel like I've got a lot left in my tank. And I know when it's right, I can be the best."
Sources told The Athletic that Trout would not request a trade, considering it "the easy way out."
Shohei Ohtani's Success After Leaving the Angels
Shohei Ohtani, Trout's former teammate, joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. Since then, Ohtani has won World Series titles in each season he has played for the Dodgers.
Trout and Ohtani shared the field for six seasons but started together in only 46.6% of Angels games, during which the team's record was 194-211.
Author's Summary
Mike Trout's loyalty to the Angels contrasts sharply with Shohei Ohtani's recent championship success, highlighting a unique divergence in their careers despite years as teammates.