Mike Trout stated that the impending sale of the Los Angeles Angels to Rams owner Stan Kroenke does not alter his long-term vision for his career with the team. Trout, who has four years remaining on his contract, expressed excitement about the change in ownership and his continued commitment to the Angels.
Upon learning of the sale, Trout researched Kroenke's history as an owner across various sports, noting his success with championship-winning teams like the Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal. "What a track record," Trout commented. "Wherever he buys, he wins. So it's a good sign."
Trout, 35, has experienced one postseason appearance in 2014 and has played through 11 consecutive losing seasons with the Angels. He acknowledged the frustration of these past seasons but believes the new ownership could lead to a World Series victory.
"That's the goal," Trout said. "I think you look at the track record. I know one thing that's going to be on his mind is get to the World Series and win (a) championship. As a player, you know, it makes you feel good to have that and to feel that."
While enthusiastic about the "fresh start," Trout also expressed gratitude towards outgoing owner Arte Moreno, who drafted and signed him to a significant contract in 2019. Moreno's tenure included Trout's commitment to the team, partly due to loyalty. "He took a chance on a 17-year-old kid from Millville, New Jersey, and he took care of me and my family," Trout said.
Trout anticipates that the new ownership will bring a new mindset and potentially implement changes to improve the team's performance, referencing recent positive moves by interim general manager John Mozeliak to bolster the farm system. "You can build off that," Trout said. "Bringing new ownership in, they're probably excited to get this thing flipped around."
He hopes this ownership change will inject new energy into the organization and help re-establish a winning culture. Despite his optimism, Trout humorously stated he would not be abandoning his loyalty to the Philadelphia Eagles, even as a part-owner of multiple successful sports franchises. "I will not," he said when asked if he would wear a Rams cap. He did, however, concede he might root for the Rams if they weren't playing the Eagles.