Mike Trout DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports that Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) will make his Cactus League debut this year on Monday against the San Francisco Giants. The Angels are planning to move Trout to right field in 2025 in order to try and keep him healthy for the entire season. The 33-year-old three-time American League MVP has played fewer than 82 games in three of the last four seasons, including just 29 in 2024 after needing multiple surgeries to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee. Trout's injuries in recent seasons and the fact that he's now 33 have caused his fantasy stock to drop considerably from being an annual first-rounder to being ranked as the No. 35 fantasy outfielder this year. There's now plenty of risk, but the good news is that Trout was looking good last year before getting hurt, clubbing 10 home runs and stealing six bases in just 29 games.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) said on Monday that he'll be making the move to play right field in 2025. Trout will still mix in a little as the designated hitter and in center field, but he'll primarily be the Angels' right fielder. It's a move that both Trout and the team have agreed on in an effort to keep him healthy for the entire season. The 33-year-old has played regularly in center field since 2014, but he's only been able to play an average of 66 games a season the last few years as injuries have piled up. As a result, he's no longer a lock as a first-round fantasy pick this year and is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 35 outfielder. The encouraging thing is that the three-time MVP hit 10 home runs and stole six bases in 29 games in 2024 before being shut down with a knee injury, so there's still hope he can bounce back if he can stay healthy.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) hasn't played more than 119 games in a single season since 2019. Last season, Trout only managed to play in 29 contests before tearing his meniscus in his left knee. Trout obviously isn't getting any younger and these major injuries are certainly taking a toll on his body. That being said, the Angels plan to figure out a way to keep Trout healthy this season. Angels' manager Ron Washington plans to meet with Trout in person and discuss a strategy for the upcoming 2025 campaign. The expectation is that Trout will see more time at the designated hitter spot. When in the outfield, Trout will probably play the corner outfield spots which will hopeful be less demanding on his body. Having Trout healthy is great for baseball in general, so hopefully 2025 is a better year for the veteran slugger.