Angels GM on Mike Trout: "I think he's going to have a fantastic year. He's extremely motivated"

After playing just 208 games over the previous three seasons, Mike Trout looks healthy and motivated for the upcoming season. The news will come as music to the ears of Los Angeles Angels fans who have seen their team depleted by injuries over the last two seasons. With Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon and Trout fit, expectations will be high for this Angels team.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian spoke about Trout's health and attitude for the upcoming season:

"I think he's going to have a fantastic year. He's extremely motivated"

Minasian also discussed the return of 2019 All-Star and World Series champion Anthony Rendon on the MLB Network with Chris Russo:

"They're both great players. When they play, we are a very, very good team

Trout missed the bulk of the 2021 season with a torn calf muscle. He played in just 36 games that year, finishing with eight home runs and 18 RBIs. Trout returned to the starting lineup in 2022 but issues with back spasms kept him out of the lineup for a big portion of the season.

"'Something we really focused on was improving the middle of our roster...we feel like we've accomplished that.' @Angels GM Perry Minasian recaps the Halos' busy offseason and expectations for 2023. #HighHeat | @MadDogUnleashed"

A series of nagging injuries have limited Rendon's time on the field. He finished with impressive statistics during his championship run with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Since then, however, the switch-hitting infielder has had trouble finding any consistency.

Los Angeles has been active during the offseason, adding some vital pieces to compliment Trout and Ohtani. Combine that with the return of three-time American League MVP Mike Trout, and you have a roster capable of a deep playoff run.

The Angels will look to former MVP Mike Trout to lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 2014

Mike Trout reacts after flying out against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field

The Los Angeles Angels have done well to retain their big-name stars. The club has also added experienced MLB players such as infielders Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela. Former Milwaukee Brewers righty Hunter Renfroe will provide some cover in the outfield.

All-Star starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and reliever Carlos Estevez have been brought in to shore up the defense.

"If healthy, Mike Trout might actually win his 4th MVP #MLB"

Arte Moreno and Perry Minasian have done an excellent job during the offseason. The Angels roster looks capable of competing against the World Series champion Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the AL West. It has been eight years since we witnessed playoff baseball in Anaheim. Mike Trout and the Angels will be desperate to get off to a strong start in 2023.