How Mike Trout Was 'Left Behind' As Shohei Ohtani Wins Two Rings
Mike Trout has not played in a postseason game since 2014, marking the longest active drought for a player of his caliber. The three-time MVP is now in the latter part of his career with the Los Angeles Angels.
Career and Playoff Struggles
The 34-year-old center fielder holds an 87.5 WAR, the highest ever for a modern player who has never won a postseason game. The Angels have not advanced to the playoffs since they were swept by Kansas City in the 2014 ALDS.
- The franchise’s last postseason win was in 2009, the same year Trout was drafted.
- Trout signed a 12-year, $426 million contract extension in March 2019, which remains one of the richest deals ever in North American sports.
- Approximately $190 million of that contract remains, running through the 2030 season.
Trout’s Commitment to the Angels
"I've got (five) more years on the contract," Trout told The Athletic in September. "I feel like I've got a lot left in my tank. And I know when it's right, I can be the best."
Sources told The Athletic that Trout would never request a trade, considering it "the easy way out."
Shohei Ohtani’s Success After Leaving Angels
Former teammate Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. Since then, Ohtani has won World Series titles in each season with his new team.
During their six seasons together on the Angels, Trout and Ohtani appeared in the lineup together in only 46.6% of games. The team’s record during that time was 194-211.
Author’s Summary
Despite Mike Trout’s extraordinary talent and commitment to the Angels, his postseason absence contrasts sharply with Shohei Ohtani’s recent World Series success after leaving the team.