Mike Trout has already cemented his place among the greatest baseball players of his generation, but his remarkable individual career has been overshadowed by one glaring absence: sustained team success with the Los Angeles Angels.
That could finally change following Arte Moreno’s decision to sell the Angels to Stan Kroenke.
The new ownership group brings a completely different financial outlook to Anaheim, and there is growing optimism that Kroenke could provide the blueprint needed to build a legitimate contender around Trout.
Kroenke already owns the Los Angeles Rams, and the NFL franchise offers an intriguing example of what could happen in Anaheim.
The Aaron Donald blueprint
Before the Rams became Super Bowl champions, they endured several difficult seasons surrounding defensive superstar Aaron Donald.
Donald was selected 13th overall in 2014 and immediately established himself as an elite player, but the Rams struggled to build a consistent winner around him. The team eventually turned things around after Kroenke moved the franchise back to Los Angeles and hired Sean McVay.
The Rams went 11-5 in McVay’s first season and reached the playoffs before eventually winning the Super Bowl in 2021.
A major part of that transformation involved aggressively adding veteran talent and making bold roster moves rather than simply relying on the draft.
The Angels could potentially follow a similar formula with Trout.
Angels could build aggressively around Trout
Baseball does not have the same draft-pick trading culture as the NFL, but the Angels can use their prospects as valuable trade assets.
If the organization combines that young talent with significant free-agent spending and smart trades, it could dramatically improve the roster around Trout.
The biggest challenge will be identifying the right baseball operations leadership and manager to execute the plan.
Unlike the previous ownership era, Kroenke has a reputation for allowing experienced executives and football personnel to make important sporting decisions.
That could give the Angels a clearer long-term direction.
Mike Trout finally has reason to dream
Trout is no longer at the absolute peak of his career, but the three-time MVP still has plenty to offer when healthy.
For years, the Angels have struggled to surround their superstar with enough quality talent to compete consistently in October.
Kroenke’s arrival changes the possibilities.
The Rams demonstrated that a franchise can move from years of disappointment to championship contention by combining elite cornerstone talent, strong leadership and aggressive roster construction.
Now, Angels fans will be hoping the same formula can finally work for Trout.
Trout may remain a diehard Philadelphia Eagles supporter, but Kroenke could still give him something far more important in Anaheim: a legitimate chance to play meaningful winning baseball.
