Mike Trout Seeks Center Field Return in 2026

TEMPE, Ariz. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout expressed a strong preference to return to center field for the 2026 season, citing its lower physical demands compared to the corner outfield positions, during a news conference at the team's spring training facility on Monday.

The 34-year-old three-time American League Most Valuable Player, who has battled injuries since 2021, believes the move will benefit his long-term health. Trout spent last season primarily in right field before a knee injury forced him to serve as the designated hitter for most of the year. He appeared in 130 games, his highest total since 2019, but posted a .232 batting average with 26 home runs in 417 at-bats, his lowest mark in a full season. Injuries had previously limited him to just 111 games over the prior two campaigns.

Early in his career, Trout played some left field but held down center for 11 straight seasons before the Angels shifted him to right last year. Discussions with first-year manager Kurt Suzuki have centered on reverting to center, a position Trout described as more comfortable. "I feel like I'm at my best when I'm in center," Trout said. "If I have to go to the corner, I'll go to the...