Trout returns to center field for the Angels in 2026, providing a significant defensive boost and igniting hopes for a resurgence.
The Los Angeles Angels are back in Tempe, Arizona, with spring training on the horizon, and the media has been trying its best to answer questions about the club before their first game on Saturday.
Superstar Mike Trout is not exempt from such questions, and he gave reporters a huge piece of information that’ll have a huge impact on the Angels in 2026. According to Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register, Trout will be making his return to center field this season.
It’s huge news for the Halos, who have been trying to fill out their outfield all winter long but weren't able to sufficiently do so. After Trout didn't play a single game in center field in 2025, Trout told reporters that playing in right field wasn’t comfortable and felt like more running.
His move back to center gives the outfield in Anaheim a huge boost, giving them a great option to put out there after it was expected he’d likely return to a designated hitter hole. He played just 22 games in right field in 2025 before moving full-time to DH, likely because of his discomfort at the position.
Trout will now lead an outfield of himself, Jo Adell, and likely Josh Lowe. With Trout’s return to playing defense, Jorge Soler is now set for a bigger role at DH after splitting last year with 40 games in right field and 37 at DH.
Though he isn’t quite the same defensive machine he was in his prime, Trout will still be the best defender in the outfield in Anaheim. Adell was great from the plate, smashing 37 home runs, but was a disaster in the outfield with his -12 outs above average. Lowe isn’t great either, finishing in the bottom third of the league in fielding run value.
With no World Baseball Classic play coming for him after insurance troubles, Trout will be able to set his focus solely on the Angels. His return to center field provides fans with one of the few moments of excitement they’ve endured this winter.
After experiencing the first significant step back in his career, the 2026 season is huge for Trout in reclaiming his spot as one of the greatest in the game. Perhaps a return to center field will see a return to his All-Star status after missing out last year.