SAN ANTONIO, Texas — At first glance, the Los Angeles Angels’ trade for Jorge Soler appeared ill-conceived. Soler’s primary position for the past eight seasons was designated hitter. Why acquire him from the Atlanta Braves — and pay him $13 million in each of the next two seasons — when the oft-injured Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon both might require time at DH? Advertisement As often is the case, there’s more to the story.
Trout said in September he was open to moving to an outfield corner and serving more frequently as a DH. The Angels, however, would prefer to use him as a DH only on a limited basis, according to sources familiar with the club’s thinking. Rendon performed poorly even when healthy last season, and likely will not play regularly.
While making Trout a DH might sound like a step toward keeping him healthy, the Angels aren’t so sure. Trout’s three most recent injuries were left ribcage inflammation in 2022, a left hamate fracture in ’23 and a torn meniscus in his left knee in ’24. Each of those issues stemmed, at least in part, from the act of swinging, club officials believe.
Most DHs use their down time to take additional practice swings. Trout, a perfectionist, almost certainly would, too. Playing corner outfield is not without risk, most notably when players make sudden stops going after balls down the line.
But at this point, the Angels seem most comfortable with Trout in left or right. Soler, who turns 33 in February, will be playing.