The Los Angeles Angels are officially changing hands. Arte Moreno has agreed to sell the franchise for a record $4 billion to Stan Kroenke, and superstar Mike Trout? He’s stoked, literally “enthusiastic” about the news. This agreement, made on September 2, 2026, is set to finalize in early 2027, and it’s already got a different vibe around the clubhouse.
Finally, a Change of Pace for Trout
Mike Trout, now 35, has been an Angels lifer since they drafted him 25th overall in 2009. We’re talking about a legend in the making here, a guy who’s already stacked up three MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, and is a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer. But for all his individual brilliance, team success has been a ghost. The Angels have only made the playoffs *once* during Trout’s entire 16-year MLB career, and that was back in 2014, where they got swept by the Royals. Fast forward to 2026, and they clinched a losing season before September even hit. Time and again, Trout has stuck to his guns, batting away calls to waive his no-trade clause. “No, it doesn’t change,” he told the New York Post about his desire to stay. “I got four years left on my deal. I’m excited. Look, the track record, it’s there.”
Kroenke’s Winning Blueprint: “Wherever He Buys, He Wins”
The “track record” Trout is talking about belongs to Kroenke, and man, is it something. Stan Kroenke, along with his wife Ann Walton Kroenke, and their sports company, also own the Los Angeles Rams, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal of the English Premier League. What do all those teams have in common? They’ve all won their respective league titles within the last decade. The Angels? They haven’t won a playoff game during Trout’s entire career. Trout didn’t mince words to the Los Angeles Times, saying, “What a track record. Wherever he buys, he wins.” That’s why he called the ownership change “needed” and cited a “good vibe around the clubhouse.”
A New Era for Angels Baseball?
When asked if a new organizational approach would be welcome, Trout’s answer was a resounding “No doubt.” He added, “Obviously, when you’re frustrated the last , I don’t know how many years it’s been, but to hear the news like this, I’m super excited to have this change.” Sure, success isn’t going to happen overnight. But look at the 2026 White Sox, they’re the latest example of how quickly a rebuild can turn things around in MLB. Trout himself is enjoying a strong rebound season in 2026, with top-line numbers and underlying metrics looking great. That, combined with a proven winner like Kroenke, means the Angels could finally be on the brink of something special. It’s a massive shift for the Halos, and if Kroenke lives up to his track record, baseball in Anaheim might just get exciting again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply