Mike Trout, the Angels’ generational talent, suffered a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist during a game on July 3. This injury effectively ended his season, despite a brief return on August 22 when he played just one game before returning to the injured list. Over the weekend, the Angels confirmed what was already apparent: Trout will not take the field again this season.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding the Angels, reports surfaced earlier this month that the team would be open to trading Trout for the first time ever, should he express a desire to leave. The franchise is grappling with a shortage of talent at both the major league and minor league levels, signaling a potential period of decline or even a full-scale rebuilding effort. At 32 years old, Trout may not be eager to be part of such a transition.

When asked about his future with the Angels, Trout stated (via The Athletic), “I go through this every year. These are private conversations I have with (owner Arte Moreno and team president John Carpino). I’m doing the same thing I’ve done the last 13 years. Going into the offseason, clearing my mind, going into spring wearing an Angels uniform.”

While the statement appears clear-cut, Trout still has an entire offseason ahead to reflect on his future and assess the Angels’ direction. His outlook today may not necessarily align with his feelings on, say, December 1.

Trout holds a full no-trade clause and is under contract for seven more years, with nearly $250 million remaining. He has significant control over his situation; only a handful of teams could feasibly manage such a monumental trade, aka the Yankees.