Mike Trout doesn't want to leave the Los Angeles Angels because the star outfielder believes he's got unfinished business with the only MLB team he's ever played for.
"I think the fuel of people doubting us kind of makes it more of a fire for me to try to get back to the playoffs," Trout told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. "I think that's the biggest key for me."
The Angels (38-59) enter the All-Star break 11.5 games out of first in the AL West and 10 games out of a wild-card spot. Los Angeles hasn't qualified for the postseason for 11 straight years since the club's last appearance in 2014, which is the longest active drought in baseball.
Despite the lack of team success, Trout said he hasn't considered departing the Angels in a trade.
"Could I take the easy way out and just leave? Yeah," the three-time AL MVP said. "But I think - I said this last year around this time, but it's the same feeling I've been having - I really haven't sat down and talked to anybody about it specifically, but I know there's a time where, if things change, who knows? I don't know. But, for me, right now, my focus is on trying to get this club back in the playoffs."
Trout, a 12-time All-Star, has $141.8 million remaining on his deal through 2030 after inking a 12-year, $426.5-million extension in March 2019. The 34-year-old has a full no-trade clause.
