Mike Trout having second thoughts about playing this season

Mike Trout possibly considering opting-out of 2020 season

The first day of Spring Training is usually a time for eternal optimism about the season ahead, of joy about getting back onto the field. For Los Angeles Angels megastar Mike Trout, though, this year’s ‘summer camp’ feels much different.

Players began working out on Friday in preparation for the start of the MLB season in three weeks. Trout was among them, joining his Angels teammates on the field at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. But his mood was far from joyous. It was rather dreary, expressing a skepticism that maybe he shouldn’t be playing at all.

Trout’s wife, Jessica, is expecting their first child next month. The thought of leaving her during this momentous time for the family, in the middle of the pandemic, and what he might bring back home is giving him second thoughts about suiting up for the Angels in 2020.

“Honestly, I still don’t feel that comfortable,” he told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times on Friday. “It’s gonna be tough. I’ve got to be really cautious these next couple weeks. I don’t want to test positive. I don’t want to bring it back to my wife. It’s a tough situation we’re in. I’ve got to play it by ear.”

Baseball is taking every precaution to ensure that Spring Training 2.0 and the 60-game schedule goes off as planned. On Friday morning as practices began, coaches wore masks on the field. Attendants sprayed balls to disinfect them after players were done using them. Staff meetings were done at a distance.

But, for many players, that’s not enough. Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals have already opted out. So has Ross’ brother, Tyson, and Mariners pitcher Mike Leake, plus Rockies All-Star outfielder Ian Desmond. Based on the rules agreed upon by the league and Players Association, a player can opt-out from playing this season but only those with preexisting health conditions will get paid and credited with a year of service time.

Trout deciding not to play, though, would dwarf any of those players. It would be a major loss, not only for the Angels but for the entire league. The Angels signed Anthony Rendon in free agency and are expecting a star-studded middle of the lineup featuring Trout, Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani. Removing the three-time American League MVP from that equation would significantly diminish their hopes of competing for a playoff spot. Trout would suffer financially, as well, giving up the $13 million he’s expected to earn out of his $36 million salary this season.

As for the sport itself, not having the face of the league on the field for the start of the season would only intensify calls that they rushed to return during the pandemic. That there shouldn’t be a season at all, not with COVID-19 cases spiking across the country.

Trout’s loss would be a tangible symbol that this isn’t a normal season. The voices of doubters would begin to drown out the fans excited that baseball is finally back. He’s in Angels camp for now, and baseball has to only hope he decides to stay there.