Once a teammate of Mike Trout on the Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani was another player considered a generational talent, earning multiple MVP awards. The reigning National League MVP, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcased his exceptional abilities as both a hitter and an ace pitcher during his time in Anaheim, securing two American League MVP awards and even finishing as high as fourth in Cy Young Award voting.
Ohtani’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season proved instrumental in their World Series victory, highlighted by his remarkable regular season performance of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. Despite his offensive prowess, Ohtani was sidelined from pitching throughout the season as he recovered from UCL surgery.
Los Angeles Angels Star Uninterested In Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers World Series
When Jomboy Media’s Chris Rose asked Trout about his reaction to Ohtani winning his first Fall Classic, Trout admitted, “I don’t really watch that much baseball once the season’s over. I’m usually out in the woods somewhere with my boys.” However, Trout clarified that he did text his former teammate, a gesture that Rose noted is not always common among current players. “Yeah, I texted him for sure. No doubt,” Trout confirmed.
As Ohtani experienced his first taste of October baseball as a member of the Dodgers, Trout is hoping to lead the Angels back to the postseason for the first time since 2014. In his brief postseason experience in 2014, Trout, then 22 years old, recorded just one hit, which was a home run, across three games. The Angels and Trout are aiming to break their postseason drought in 2025, with the team making several roster adjustments to become competitive once again.
Perhaps the most significant offseason move for the Angels, however, wasn’t an acquisition of talent but a strategic shift intended to keep Trout healthy. He has transitioned from center field to right field, a position he has played in only 17 previous career games, with his last appearance there dating back to 2012, all in an effort to reduce the physical demands and wear and tear on his body.