The Los Angeles Angels officially changed hands Tuesday for a staggering $4 billion, and the immediate vibe check from franchise icon Mike Trout? “It was needed,” he said, barely containing his excitement. This isn’t just a sale; it’s a desperate cry for help answered for a team that has been mired in mediocrity for far too long, despite having one of baseball’s all-time greats.
Moreno’s Era: A Whole Lotta Losing
Let’s be real: Angels fans have been through it. Former owner Arte Moreno had the team for 23 years, and what do they have to show for it? Just six postseason berths, with the last one way back in 2014. Think about that for a second. Mike Trout, a three-time MVP and easily one of the best players of the last 15 years, debuted for this team in 2011. In his entire tenure, he’s seen exactly one playoff appearance. One! That trip in 2014 resulted in a brutal 3-0 ALDS sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals. It’s been a tough run, to say the least.
The numbers don’t lie. The franchise hasn’t posted a winning record since that 2014 playoff season. Last season, the Angels limped to a 72-90 finish, good for last place in the AL West. And right now, as of Tuesday, they’re sitting at a dismal 53-85, tied for the worst record in the entire AL West. It gets worse: they’ve lost at least 89 games in four consecutive seasons, and with 24 games left, it’s pretty much a lock they’ll hit five straight. You can see why Trout and the clubhouse are buzzing; a change was absolutely necessary.
Kroenke’s Midas Touch: A Glimmer of Hope
So, who stepped up to the plate? None other than Stan Kroenke and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. And Trout’s reaction to the new owner tells you everything you need to know: “What a track record. Wherever he buys, he wins.” It’s not just hype, either. Kroenke’s resume is legit. He owns the Los Angeles Rams, who won the Super Bowl in 2022. He’s got the Denver Nuggets, NBA Finals champs in 2023. The Colorado Avalanche? Stanley Cup winners in 2022. The Colorado Rapids snagged the MLS Cup in 2010. And Arsenal Football Club is the reigning Premier League Champion. The guy knows how to build a winner, plain and simple.
It’s no wonder the 12-time All-Star is “super excited.” He even reaffirmed his commitment, intending to play out the remainder of his massive 12-year, $426.5 million deal that expires after the 2030 season, when he will be 28 years old. That’s a huge vote of confidence for the new direction. The team’s got a “good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium,” and honestly, after years of heartbreak, Angels fans deserve it.
This offseason marks the very first under Kroenke’s ownership, and it’s his initial chance to bring that undeniable winning culture to the Angels. This team has been starving for success, and with a track record like Kroenke’s, there’s finally something tangible to look forward to. The pressure is on, but the potential is finally there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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