Mike Trout's Career and Fan Reactions
Angels superstar Mike Trout has built an impressive career, collecting numerous awards despite playing for a struggling franchise. His continued presence with the Angels has been seen by fans as a major factor in his fading popularity, with some critics blaming team owner Arte Moreno for the team's challenges.
Career Highlights
- Tied with Shohei Ohtani for the most MVP awards among active players, with three
- 11 All-Star selections
- Three All-MLB First Team honors
- Nine Silver Slugger awards
- Two American League Hank Aaron Awards
- One playoff appearance, a 0-3 series loss to the Royals in 2014
Despite his accolades, Trout's career has faced setbacks due to injuries and inconsistent performance in the 2020s, raising debates over when his career began to decline after being considered the face of modern baseball.
Testimony and Personal Reflections
On October 22, 2025, Mike Trout testified in a civil court regarding the death of former teammate Tyler Skaggs in 2019. The trial focused on former Angels communication director Eric Kay, who was accused of providing Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill that caused his fatal overdose.
"Trout described how close he was with Skaggs as they belonged in the same draft class back in 2009 and also noted how Kay was excellent at his job in taking care of players."
Summary
Mike Trout's career exemplifies the challenges of excelling as an elite athlete within a struggling team, marked by impressive achievements, personal hardships, and loyalty to the Angels.