Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels could be a key member of Team USA at the upcoming World Baseball Classic. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
Mike Trout will suit up for the first time for the United States during the 2023 World Baseball Classic under manager Mark DeRosa.
Trout, entering his 12th Major League season with the Los Angeles Angels, has yet to get to a World Series in his career, though he is widely thought of as one of the top players in the game. Last year, Trout played in 119 games, with 124 hits in 438 at-bats, he drove in 80 runs batted in with a .283 batting average and hit 40 home runs.
Trout, who had his third 40 home run season last year, can apply to many of his mechanics this year even with being in the Angels uniform for the major league season, USA could possibly face Japan in the Semifinals or Championship Game in Miami if he and Ohtani were to face each other during the prestigious tournament. Trout has 350 home runs in his career along with 896 RBI, and has produced at a consistent rate at the Major League level.
At the 2010 COPABE Pan American Games in Puerto Rico, Trout started nine games for Team USA. He finished the tournament hitting .350 with 14 hits, two doubles, a triple, and three home runs, tallying 7 RBIs in the tournament. Trout led Team USA in runs scored, hits, and home runs, and finished second on the team in slugging percentage, at-bats, and RBIs as the red, white, and blue finished the tournament 9-1.
The 10 time All-Star, three-time American League MVP, 2012 American League Rookie of the Year and nine-time Silver Slugger winner could add to his hall of fame candidacy by winning it all in Miami before Opening Day of the 2023 Season.
United States general manager Tony Reagins has built a great roster for DeRosa. Team USA will have several players returning from the 2017 World Baseball Classic Championship team, including Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, who could help the offense during the tournament.
Team USA will open up against Great Britain in Pool C on March 11 at Chase Field in Phoenix at 9 p.m. EST on Fox. They will also have to play Mexico, Colombia, and Canada in Pool C during the 2023 World Baseball Classic from March 11-15.