Mike Trout discussed his future and Anthony Rendon spoke about his priorities, and the two Los Angeles Angels veterans made some interesting comments on Monday ahead of the start of the season next month. Reporting to spring training camp.
The Angels signed Rendon to a seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019 while he was winning the World Series with the Washington Nationals. Rendon won two Silver Slugger Awards in seven seasons with the Nationals, but injuries prevented him from playing more than 58 games in four years with the Angels.
Rendon talked Monday about how his passion for the game has remained consistent throughout his career, but he also noted that baseball “has never been my priority.”
“This is a job,” Rendon told reporters. “I do this to make a living. I believe that before this job, my family comes first.”
Rendon noted that getting married and having four children changed his perspective. But he also emphasized that baseball remains a priority, even if it’s not his top priority.
“Oh, that’s definitely a priority,” Rendon said. “Because this is my job. I’m here, aren’t I?”
Meanwhile, Trout, a three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star who has appeared in just one playoff series, said despite the Angels’ reorganization after two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani transferred to Los Angeles, he didn’t Interest Request Transaction. Dodgers.
Trout, 32, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Angels and signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Angels in 2019. The Angels went 73-89 last year and were on their way to their eighth consecutive losing season. They haven’t made the playoffs since being swept by the Kansas City Royals in the division round in 2014.
“I think the easy way out is to ask for a trade,” Trout told reporters. “Maybe there will be a time. I really haven’t thought about it. When I signed this contract, I was loyal. I want to win a championship here. Overall, win a championship here or make the playoffs There’s a greater satisfaction than getting out of trouble or taking the easy way out. I guess that’s my mindset. If things change, maybe in the future.”
Trout said he continued to push owner Art Moreno and front office to add free agents to strengthen the Angels following Ohtani’s departure. Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
“I’m going to keep working as hard as I can,” Trout said. “Until the season starts or those guys sign. That’s who I am.”
