"Mike Trout has to be healthy, Anthony Rendon is out of equation" - MLB insider stresses Angels' success depends solely on Halos superstar's fitness

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes the success of the LA Angels heavily depends on centerfielder Mike Trout's health and how he's used next season.

Trout entered the 2024 season with high expectations but was plagued by a knee issue for months and eventually underwent surgery. Ahead of his return for a minor league assignment, a different knee problem ruled him out of the season.

Trout is no stranger to injuries. In the last five seasons, barring the 2022 campaign, where he played 119 games, the three-time MVP has failed to play more than 82 games. This has hurt the Angels, especially considering Trout's $37 million salary. Anthony Rendon is another big name for the Angels, but he too hasn't been able to stay healthy since signing a seven-year, $245 million deal.

On Tuesday's Foul Territory, Rosenthal highlighted Trout's impact on the Angels.

"Mike Trout has to be healthy, playing, and productive for this team to be anything close to what it intends to be," Rosenthal said (3:56 onwards). "Rendon is kind of out of the equation at this point. If he gives them anything, they'll consider that a massive bonus — they're not expecting it.

"But Trout is still the centerpiece of the group. Whether he’s in center field, one of the corners, or DHing more remains to be seen, but a healthy, productive Mike Trout is really the key for the Angels. Of course, we haven’t seen that version of him in some time now."

Angels cannot trade Mike Trout due to no-trade clause

If the Angels' initial offseason moves are anything to go by, they are trying to get back on their feet. They have signed Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks to solve their starting pitching concerns.

Jorge Soler, Kevin Newman and Travis d'Arnaud are also good acquisitions for a franchise that is trying to be competitive.

The Angels cannot trade Mike Trout even if they want to since the outfielder's contract that runs through 2030 has a no-trade clause; however, Trout himself might want out in order to get on a contending team and potentially add a World Series ring to his Hall of Fame resume.

That being said, Trout has maintained that he is committed to the Angels and keen on winning the World Series in Anaheim.