Mike Trout will continue his Los Angeles Angels career under new ownership after Arte Moreno sold the team to Stan Kroenke on Wednesday. The superstar outfielder has made the playoffs once -- a first-round sweep -- in 16 seasons with the Angels. Trout, who remains under contract until 2030, told reporters that the sale "doesn't change" his desire to remain with the organization.
"Seeing the reaction from the fans and some of the guys and the whole vibe, I think it was needed for a fresh start," Trout said, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "The biggest thing is getting that feeling of getting that winning culture back and having that vibe in the clubhouse." Moreno bought the Angels in 2003, a year after they won the World Series. They haven't returned to the Fall Classic since and notched their last postseason victory in 2009.
Trout may join Angels fans in feeling renewed hope under Kroenke, who has overseen several sports championships as the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal Football Club. "As a player, it makes you feel good to have that and to feel that." The Angels have already guaranteed their 11th consecutive losing season with a 53-86 record. Although he's only batting .239, Trout has an .800 OPS and 20 home runs in 120 games after several injury-marred years.
The 35-year-old is eager to turn the page behind new leadership. "It's obviously been frustrating the last, I don't know how many years it's been," Trout said. "But just to hear the news like this, I'm super excited to have this change."
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