The Los Angeles Angels' impending ownership change hasn't changed Mike Trout's mind about finishing his career with the team.
Trout, who has a close relationship with longtime owner Arte Moreno, reiterated Tuesday that he still has no desire to leave the Halos and won't be asking incoming boss Stan Kroenke for a trade.
"Not at all. I got four years left on my deal," Trout said regarding his future with the Angels, according to Jack Janes of the Sporting Tribune.
Moreno announced Tuesday that he's selling a controlling interest in the Angels to Kroenke for a reported $4 billion. The 80-year-old Moreno, who bought the Angels from Disney in 2003, will reportedly retain a minority stake.
Moreno is the only owner Trout has known during his legendary 16-year career and inked the three-time MVP to a pair of lucrative extensions, including a then-record 12-year, $426.5-million deal in 2019 that includes a full no-trade clause.
However, Moreno failed to build a winner around the franchise's greatest player. The Angels haven't posted a winning record since 2015 and have made the playoffs just once in the Trout era, when the Kansas City Royals swept them in the 2014 ALDS and Trout went 1-for-12. Los Angeles is tied with the A's for the worst record in the AL this season.
Through it all, Trout has stayed loyal to the Angels, a dedication that has often frustrated fans outside of Orange County. He shot down the idea of a trade this past July, saying that "people doubting us" has fueled his motivation to remain in Anaheim and lead the franchise back to the playoffs.
While the 35-year-old expressed gratitude for all his outgoing boss has done for him, Trout acknowledged it was time for Moreno to move on.
"I mean, you kind of felt that way - it was needed," Trout said. "No hard feelings to Arte. But I'm super excited. The guys are excited. There's a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium."
Trout is also optimistic about the club under Kroenke, who's bankrolled championship teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and the English Premier League.
"I'm excited," Trout said. "The track record, it's there. So, super excited to meet him and talk to him and get to know him a little bit and see where it goes."
He continued, "You look at the track record, I know one thing that's gonna be on (Kroenke's) mind is get to the World Series, win a championship. As a player, it makes you feel good to have that and to feel that."
