"We need Mike Trout" - Angels GM addresses 3x MVP's role in light of Jorge Soler acquisition from Braves
Mike Trout has missed several games in the past five years due to multiple injuries. After he played only 29 games in 2024, the least amount he played in a season since his MLB debut, Trout expressed willingness to play sometime in the designated hitter role in 2025.
Seemingly throwing a wrench on the plan, the Angels acquired Jorge Soler, a player best suited at DH, from the Braves in exchange for pitcher Griffin Canning. Perry Minasian, the Angels general manager, addressed the situation on "Foul Territory."
"Obviously Mike's had a frustrating four years," said Minasian [Timestamp 50:57].
"He hasn't been on the field as much; he'd be the first one to tell you that, right? He hasn't been on the field as much as he's wanted to. This guy, you know, and I don't need to tell you guys, he’s a different animal when he's in the lineup," the GM added.
Minasian praised Mike Trout, claiming the Angels are exponentially better when he is in the lineup. As for what he wants from the 3x AL MVP, the GM claimed there are no secrets, and discussions are ongoing about his role in 2025.
"We're still discussing, you know, where that is. Is that in center? Is that in left? Is that in right? Does he DH a certain amount of time? Those are all things that we're still discussing, and we'll see how the offseason plays out," said Minasian [Timestamp 51:16].
"But, you know, Mike knows, it’s nothing that anybody doesn't know, we need Mike Trout. We need a healthy Mike Trout. We need Mike Trout to not only do what he does on the field but do what he does off the field. So, there’s no secrets there."
Perry Minasian explains Jorge Soler trade despite Mike Trout's potential DH role
Per Perry Minasian, acquiring Jorge Soler from the Braves was a no-brainer despite Mike Trout's potential DH role. The Angels GM said:
"As far as Jorge Soler, looking at the market and seeing what's available from a bat standpoint, we really struggled with power last year. We were 29th in slugging, and it was an area where we felt like we needed to improve," Minasian said [Timestamp 51:41].
As such, Minasian said the Angels front office felt Soler was a great fit, as the deal is for two years and the Cuban is only 32 years old. The 2021 World Series MVP's clubhouse presence also swayed their decision.
"There's presence in the box, and he can go to the outfield here and there and play some outfield if you want him to. And again, from a clubhouse standpoint, he's A++. So, we feel like that was a great fit for us," Minasian added [Timestamp 52:05].
The GM assured Soler is the first of many, as enhancing the lineup is the priority. Nevertheless, only time will tell whether the Angels can accommodate Mike Trout and Soler in the same lineup long-term.