Mike Trout Changes Position to RF but Will 'Mix in a Little DH, CF' for Angels

Mike Trout confirmed that he's moving to play right field for the Los Angeles Angels during the 2025 season, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic.

Blum noted that Trout will also "mix in a little" time in center field as well as at designated hitter.

The three-time American League MVP has operated as Los Angeles' center fielder throughout his career, playing in right field during a mere 17 of his 1,432 games as a fielder (via Baseball Reference).

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported that Trout had a meeting with Angels coaches on Sunday and they determined he'll play right field "in an effort to preserve his body" moving forward.

"I knew it was coming," Trout told reporters. "Just got to get used to it. But I just want to be on the field."

Availability has been an issue for the 11-time All-Star, as he's surpassed 100 games played in just one of the past four seasons. Trout was limited to 29 appearances during his 2024 campaign due to a torn meniscus in his left knee.

He had surgery in May 2024 and was on track to return in late July, but he underwent an MRI that revealed a second tear above the first one and he had season-ending surgery on Aug. 7.

Trout also played in a mere 36 games during the 2021 season due to a right calf strain.

Switching to primarily playing right field should allow the 33-year-old to cover less ground in the outfield and help maintain his lower body health over the course of a full season.

Trout has established himself as one of the top players in the majors when healthy, owning a .299/.410/.581 slash line to go along with 378 home runs and 954 RBIs since his MLB debut in 2011.

As Los Angeles attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 63-99 finish in 2024, Trout will now be in right field.