It's Time for the Angels to move on from Mike Trout.

In recent years, despite boasting two of baseball’s premier players, the Angels have struggled to rise above mediocrity. Maintaining a mere .500 record has been a challenge, leading Shohei Ohtani to depart during the past free agency period in pursuit of a more competitive team, leaving Mike Trout behind. Trout has undeniably served as the backbone of the Angels for well over a decade. However, plagued by injuries and advancing age, the question arises: Is it time for the Angels to sever ties with this superstar? Here's why they should consider it:

Injury History:

Trout has undoubtedly been productive for the Angels in recent years, boasting a 162 OPS+ and earning three All-Star appearances from 2021-2023, while also displaying exceptional defensive prowess with 8 Outs Above Average from center field. Yet, despite his MVP-caliber play, injuries have significantly hampered his availability. Since 2021, he has played in just 239 games, with only one season (2019) seeing him exceed 100 games played. Despite his injury woes, Trout's stellar on-field contributions ensure that teams remain eager to acquire him, even at a high cost.

The Team:

Projections from Fangraphs paint a grim picture for the Angels' upcoming season, foreseeing a lackluster 78-84 finish, well out of playoff contention. Currently, the Angels are 0-2, and have put together lackluster efforts in both games. To make matters worse, the Angels find themselves ranked in the bottom 5 on most sites (including MLB and Fangraphs) when it comes to their farm system. Additionally, their roster is on the older side, with an average age of 28.6 years, further displaying the concerns about the team's long-term competitiveness. Having already failed to capitalize on trading Shohei Ohtani at the previous deadline for a plethora of prospects, the Angels would be unwise to repeat the same mistake, and they should be open to parting ways with Trout at the right price.

Ownership and Player Loyalty:

Owner Arte Moreno's reluctance to part ways with top players has been evident, as seen with Shohei Ohtani’s non-departure at the last deadline. However, such reluctance has come at a cost. Throughout Moreno's tenure, valuable assets like Ohtani, World Series heroes John Lackey and Troy Glaus, among others, have departed without substantial returns. Though Trout is still under contract for many years, now would be the best time for Moreno to capitalize on his value and avoid making the same mistakes he made with other franchise legends.

Similarly, Trout has expressed unwavering loyalty to Anaheim. However, given the bleak outlook for the Angels' present and future, remaining loyal may not be conducive to his championship aspirations. With time running out on his competitive window, staying in Anaheim may not be the best option for Trout if he hopes to contend for a championship.

In summary, while Trout's contributions to the Angels have been invaluable, the team's stagnation and his injury-prone nature prompt consideration for his departure. It would be wise for both ownership and Trout to weigh the benefits of parting ways for the potential success of both parties.