MLB

Angels’ Trout Showing Signs of Reemerging as MLB Elite Competitor

Mike Trout’s contract with the Los Angeles Angels runs through 2030. The 12-year extension signed in 2019 pays Trout in excess of $35 million annually.
Angels’ Trout Showing Signs of Reemerging as MLB Elite Competitor
Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates after scoring in the 8th inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on April 12, 2026. Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Donald Laible
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It’s early in the 2026 MLB season but there are signs that the multi-MVP-winning version of Mike Trout is returning to the Los Angeles Angels lineup.

During Tuesday’s 7–1 Angels win in the Bronx, Trout blasted a solo home run in the first inning, his fifth this season, off of New York Yankees starter Ryan Weathers. Trout in circling the bases at the start of the game was the first of five Angels teammates to go yard on the night. His bat is hot. The Angels are 9–9, just a half game behind the Texas Rangers and Athletics in the American League West.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.