In a move that has been speculated for some time, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout announced on Monday that he will be transitioning to right field on a full-time basis for the upcoming MLB season. Trout, who has spent his entire career as a center fielder, will also serve as the team’s designated hitter on occasion.
The decision to shift Trout to right field appears to be primarily aimed at preserving his health. The 32-year-old has dealt with several injuries in recent seasons, and reducing the physical toll of playing center field could help keep him on the field more consistently. However, playing right field does come with its own set of challenges, including more interactions with the outfield wall, particularly on balls hit down the line.
Interestingly, the Angels did not make any offseason acquisitions specifically to accommodate this transition, meaning that the center field job will now fall to either Jo Adell or Mickey Moniak. Moniak, the former first-overall pick of the 2016 draft, has shown promise as a defender and might have the edge defensively. However, Adell, who has been a highly touted prospect within the organization, is expected to get the first opportunity to prove himself in center field.
For the Angels, Trout’s move creates both opportunities and uncertainties. On one hand, shifting to right field could keep their franchise cornerstone healthier and allow his bat to remain in the lineup more consistently. On the other hand, neither Adell nor Moniak have fully established themselves as everyday major leaguers, leaving some questions about how effective the team’s outfield defense will be this season.
As Spring Training unfolds, all eyes will be on how Trout adapts to his new position and whether Adell or Moniak can step up in center field. Regardless of how it plays out, this marks a significant shift for the Angels and their longtime superstar.
