Mike Trout Withdraws from the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles – Mike Trout, the outstanding outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, will not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The decision is due to the impossibility of securing a Major League contract that would allow him to play the tournament without risks.
Trout, 34, explained that participating in the competition without adequate contractual protection would represent a significant risk to his $35 million salary for the 2026 season. Unable to obtain a policy that protected his contractual bond, the three-time American League Most Valuable Player chose not to join the United States team.
Although the American team was expected to have figures like Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Pete Crow-Armstrong in the outfield, Trout’s presence would have brought experience and leadership, especially after his outstanding performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
In the 2023 edition, Trout demonstrated his power by hitting a home run, driving in seven runs, and recording an OPS of .962 in seven commitments, contributing to the United States reaching the championship game.
In recent seasons, Trout has dealt with various injuries that have limited his participation. In the last five seasons, he has only surpassed 82 games played in two and has not reached 130 games in any of them.
Other important players have also been forced to miss the tournament for similar reasons. Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve failed to obtain insurance coverage to represent Puerto Rico and Venezuela, respectively.
In 15 seasons and 1,648 games with the Angels, Trout has maintained a batting average of .294, with 404 home runs, 325 doubles, and 1,018 RBIs, solidifying him as one of the most influential players of his generation.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5 to 17, with the participation of 20 national teams. The United States, which won the title in 2017, was looking to have its star, but it will not be possible.
