Mike Trout on $4 billion sale of Angels: ‘It was needed’
The Los Angeles Angels were sold on Tuesday for a record $4 billion.
Former owner Arte Moreno had owned the Angels for 23 years. In that span, the franchise had made the postseason just six times, and not since 2014.
Center fielder Mike Trout debuted with the Angels in 2011, and the three-time MVP is considered one of the best players of the last 15 years. During Trout’s tenure, Los Angeles made the playoffs just one time, and it resulted in a 3-0 ALDS sweep of the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
After the sale was announced on Tuesday, Trout was asked about the decision.
“I mean, you kind of felt that way, it was needed. No hard feelings to Arte. But I’m super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium.”
It’s hard to fault Trout and his teammates for being excited. The franchise hasn’t had a winning record since it made the playoffs in 2014. The Angels went 72-90 last season and finished in last place in the AL West.
The 12-time All-Star also added that he intended to play out the remainder of his contract with the franchise.
He has spent his entire career with Los Angeles up to this point. Trout is playing under a 12-year, $426.5 million deal that expires after the 2030 season. At that point, he will be 28 years old.
Trout was also inspired once he saw who bought the team, saying of new owner Stan Kroenke, “What a track record. Wherever he buys, he wins.”
Kroenke and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment made the purchase, with Kroenke already owning the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, and Arsenal Football Club.
Notably, the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, the Rapids won the MLS Cup in 2010, the Nuggets won the NBA Finals in 2023, and Arsenal is the reigning Premier League Champion.
As of Tuesday, when the sale occurred, the Angels were 53-85, tied for the worst record in the AL West.
Los Angeles has lost at least 89 games in four consecutive seasons, and with 24 games left this season, it has a strong chance of making it five.
The good news, though, is that this offseason will be the first under Kroenke’s ownership and will be his first chance to bring his winning ways to the franchise.