Mike Trout is apparently returning to center field one year after making the switch over to right field, introducing quite a few concerns to the makeup of the 2026 Los Angeles Angels. However all of those red flags may be overshadowed by the simple truth that Trout in center is likely the Halos' best defensive alignment.
Last season, the Angels fielded arguably the worst defensive outfield in the league. By Defensive Runs Saved, only the Rockies were worse, and the group's cumulative Outs Above Average (-17) was better than only the Giants' outfield. Once you introduce Statcast's Fielding Run Value to the mix, the Angels ranked dead last by a country mile.