Mike Trout on $4 billion sale of Angels: 'It was needed'
The $4 billion price tag for the Angels was the most for a baseball team in history.
The Los Angeles Angels were sold on Tuesday for a record $4 billion, marking a new high for a sports franchise. Former owner Arte Moreno had held the team for 23 years, during which they only made the postseason six times, with their last successful run coming in 2014. Three-time MVP and center fielder Mike Trout joined the Angels in 2011, and he is widely regarded as one of the best players of the past 15 years.
Despite Trout's presence, the Angels made the playoffs only once, leading to a 3-0 ALDS sweep against the Kansas City Royals in 2014. Upon learning of the sale, Trout expressed his excitement, stating that the decision was "needed" and acknowledged no hard feelings towards Moreno. However, the franchise had not had a winning season since 2014.
The 2019 season saw the Angels finish with a 72-90 record, finishing last in the AL West. The 12-time All-Star has signed a 12-year, $426.5 million deal with the team, which expires after the 2030 season. The new owner, Stan Kroenke, already owns several successful teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, and Arsenal Football Club.
All of these clubs have achieved significant victories in their respective leagues. With the Angels now tied for the worst record in the AL West at 53-85, the new ownership should provide a fresh start and a chance for the franchise to reverse its fortunes.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
