Why Mike Trout’s Move to Right Field is the Best Decision for His Future
For more than a decade, Mike Trout has been the gold standard of Major League Baseball. The highlight-reel catches, the effortless power, the blazing speed—he’s done it all while manning center field for the Los Angeles Angels. But as the 2025 season approaches, there’s a significant change coming for the future Hall of Famer: he’s moving to right field.
It’s a move that’s both logical and, let’s be honest, inevitable. Trout is no longer the 22-year-old phenom who seemed indestructible, covering ridiculous ground in the outfield while also being a threat to steal 30+ bases a season. He’s 33 now, coming off multiple seasons where injuries have robbed him of valuable time on the field. If the Angels want to get the most out of their franchise player—and if Trout wants to keep making an impact—it’s time to adapt.
The biggest reason for the switch is simple: durability. Center field is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball. It requires elite speed, quick reactions, and the ability to cover more ground than any other outfielder. That kind of wear and tear has caught up with Trout in recent years.
Since 2021, he’s missed extended time due to calf, back, and wrist injuries—many of which were exacerbated by the strain of playing center. In right field, the demands are significantly lower. He won’t have to sprint into the gaps as often, his routes will be more predictable, and he’ll be able to avoid the sudden, violent movements that have contributed to past injuries.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a superstar outfielder make this kind of transition. Ken Griffey Jr., another legendary center fielder who dealt with injuries later in his career, eventually shifted to a corner spot to extend his playing days. Even Bryce Harper, who came up as a center fielder, transitioned to right field early in his career to preserve his body.
For Trout, this move isn’t about taking a step back, it’s about making sure he’s still playing at all when the Angels are trying to be competitive again.
One of the hardest adjustments for Trout won’t just be where he stands in the outfield, it’ll be accepting that he’s not the same type of player he once was.
Trout has always been a competitor. Even when the Angels were struggling, he played every game like it mattered. And part of what made him so special was his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, including his speed.
Let’s be realistic, Trout isn’t going to be a major stolen base threat anymore. The days of him swiping 30+ bags are long gone, and even expecting him to push double digits may be asking too much. The injuries have taken a toll, and the Angels don’t need him risking a hamstring or calf strain trying to stretch a single into a hustle double or taking an extra base when he doesn’t have to.
This is where his competitiveness will be tested. Trout is wired to play the game at full throttle, and slowing down is not in his nature. But if he wants to stay healthy, he’ll have to adjust. Instead of trying to beat teams with his legs, he’ll have to rely more on his bat—which, let’s be honest, is still elite when he’s on the field.
What to Expect from Trout in 2025
So, what does all of this mean for Trout’s production in 2025?
Expect fewer stolen bases – He may still have the speed, but he won’t be using it the same way.
More focus on power and on-base ability – Trout’s bat remains his biggest weapon, and he’ll continue to be an offensive force as long as he stays healthy.
A chance to stay in the lineup longer – By reducing the physical toll of center field, the Angels are giving him a better shot at playing 130+ games, something he hasn’t done since 2019.
The move to right field isn’t about what Trout is losing—it’s about what he’s gaining. If this transition keeps him on the field and allows him to be a difference-maker for the Angels, it’s absolutely the right call.
So while it may be strange at first to see someone else patrolling center at Angel Stadium, this is the best thing for both Trout and the team. He’s still one of the best players of his generation, and if this move helps him maximize what he has left, it’s a win for everyone.
Now, let’s see if he can embrace the challenge of reinventing himself—because if there’s one thing we know about Mike Trout, it’s that he’s never been one to back down.
