Mike Trout Announces Position Change, Angels Star Discusses 2026 World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout will be back to his original position when the 2026 season begins.

Trout told reporters on Monday that he will be playing center field again after spending 2025 as the Angels' right fielder, saying that position "wasn't comfortable" and he "felt like it was more running."

Trout also addressed his absence from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, calling it "disappointing" that insurance prevented him from playing despite his desire to participate, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The Athletic's Sam Blum explained that Trout "might have risked his $35 million contract" if he played in the WBC without insurance coverage. He's not the only star who will be missing from the international tournament for that reason, as Houston Astros stars Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa also failed to acquire insurance and won't play for Team Venezuela and Team Puerto Rico, respectively.

Trout was dubbed "Captain America" while leading Team USA in the WBC three years ago, and he recorded three home runs and seven RBI in seven games. The team advanced to the championship game but lost 3-2 to Team Japan and his then-Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani, who now stars for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Without Trout available, Team USA's outfield will consist of team captain Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Roman Anthony was also added to the roster on Monday to replace Corbin Carroll, who underwent hand surgery last week.

Trout will instead put his focus into gearing up for the 2026 season with the Angels. He spent most of his 130 games in 2025 as the team's designated hitter, so he will likely continue to fill that role while occasionally playing in centerfield this year.

If the three-time American League MVP can stay healthy and return to his old form, he will be driven to help the Angels end their 11-year playoff drought.