How Mike Trout Was 'Left Behind' As Shohei Ohtani Wins Two Rings

Mike Trout, the three-time MVP and Los Angeles Angels center fielder, has not played in a postseason game since 2014, marking the longest active drought for a player of his level. At 34, Trout holds an 87.5 WAR, the highest for any modern player without a postseason win.

The Angels have not returned to the playoffs since a three-game ALDS sweep by Kansas City in 2014. The franchise’s last postseason victory dates back to 2009, the same year Trout was drafted.

Contract and Commitment

In March 2019, Trout signed a 12-year, $426 million contract extension, which was then the most lucrative deal in North American sports history. Approximately $190 million of the contract remains, covering Trout through the 2030 season.

"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."

Multiple sources told The Athletic that Trout would never request a trade, considering it "the easy way out."

Shohei Ohtani's Success After Leaving the Angels

Trout's former teammate Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023 and has won World Series championships in each season since leaving Anaheim.

Trout and Ohtani played together as Angels teammates for six seasons but appeared in just 46.6% of the team's games together, during which the Angels posted a 194-211 record.

Summary

Despite his unmatched talent, Mike Trout remains sidelined from postseason success as his former teammate Ohtani thrives with two consecutive World Series titles after departing the Angels.

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RealGM — 2025-11-05