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Having endured an injury-ravaged 2024 season, Mike Trout made his return to the field for his first regular-season game since late April of last year, as the Los Angeles Angels took on the Chicago White Sox at the Guaranteed Rate Field on Opening Day.
The White Sox ended 2024 with a dismal 41-121 record, and the Angels were arguably the favorites to get their campaign started with a win. However, the hosts surprised many, running out 8-1 victors.
8-0 down heading into the bottom of the eighth, with any jeopardy long gone from the game, the Angels decided to send position player Nicky Lopez to the mound, in order to rest the bullpen pitchers for more important occasions.
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Replying to the post, plenty of fans also expressed their sadness for Mike Trout, who was seemingly 'stuck' on a 'non-competitive' team.
"Why is Trout willingly staying on this team man" a fan commented.
"His loyalty needs to be studied, he’s another dude that will go down as one of the best to never win a ring" another fan wrote.
"Mike Trout deserves a ring man, we can't let him be the Dan Mariano of baseball" another fan posted.
"For the sake of baseball he should request a trade" another fan shared.
"His unwavering loyalty to that organization is one of the biggest tragedies in baseball" another fan replied.
Another fan compared Trout's situation with that of NFL star Myles Garrett, who has opted to stay with the Cleveland Browns since 2017, despite making the postseason only twice.
"Football Analogy: Myles Garrett" the fan responded.
MLB insider picks Mike Trout as his 'dark horse' for 2025 AL MVP award
On Wednesday, insider Mark DeRosa spoke about how he felt Mike Trout was going to come back with a bang in 2025 on MLB Network.
"I think Mike Trout's going to have a monster year. I really do. I think he figured some things out, that were causing him some pain, kind of maybe coming off his backside a little bit more. I think bio-mechanically, he's adjusted his swing. He had a nice spring training." Mark DeRosa said.
As the Angels hope to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, fans will hope Trout can, in fact, enjoy a 'monster year' and guide his team to a playoff berth for the first time since 2014.
