Mike Trout not playing World Baseball Classic as $35 million salary uninsured
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The Los Angeles Angels are set to pay Mike Trout over $35 million this year, but that, combined with his injury history, poses a major hurdle for the World Baseball Classic.
The three-time MVP, who was nicknamed “Captain America” for his stellar performance at the event three years ago, told reporters Monday that he was unable to insure his contract for the tournament.
Trout said he would like to play again, but “the biggest hurdle I’m trying to get over is insurance.”
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USA’s Mike Trout leads his teammates as they carry the American flag before the game against Japan at CreditDepot Park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)
“It was disappointing, I wanted to run again with all the players,” Trout said.
Accordingly Yahoo SportsIf a player is injured in the incident, he does not necessarily lose his contract. Instead, it will be owed to the team, which has insurance coverage through National Financial Partners, which the WBC organization uses to obtain insurance policies on the contracts of all players on the 40-man roster competing at the event.
Trout’s base salary for 2026 is $35.45 million, and he earns another $1.67 million from the $20 million signing bonus he agreed to as part of his $426.5 million contract.
For example, the New York Mets were reimbursed the entire 2023 salary of Edwin Diaz, who tore his patellar tendon in a victory celebration, of $18.64 million.
Trout was part of perhaps the best moment in tournament history; he and former Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani of Team Japan faced off with two outs in the top of the ninth of a 3-2 championship game. Ohtani defeated Trout in a long shot to give Japan the title.
However, Trout has struggled to stay on the field in recent years.
Manager Phil Nevin talks to Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 3, 2023 in San Diego, California. Trout then left the game. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Trout hasn’t played more than 130 games since 2021; He reached that number last season for the first time since 2019 (the 2020 season was only 60 games). Injuries shifted him to right field last year, but he aims to return to center this season.
Trout hasn’t played in more than 140 games since 2016. He played in 36, 82 and 29 games in 2021, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Trout, who finally managed to stay healthy, didn’t look his usual self; He hit .232 with a .797 OPS; It was the lowest mark of his career since his brief call-up in 2011, when he didn’t even qualify as a rookie.
Team USA’s Mike Trout reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning during Game 6 of Pool C between Team Canada and Team USA at Chase Field on Monday, March 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Trout is signed through the 2030 season after signing the 12-year deal before the 2019 season. At the time, it was the richest contract in sports history, but since then Ohtani, Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was left behind by.
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