"Captain America" won't be suiting up for Team USA this spring.
Mike Troutrevealed he can't join the roster for the upcomingWorld Baseball Classicbecause he was unable to acquire insurance on his contract. The 34-year-old — who has dealt with an extensive injury history over the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels — would have been risking his $35 million contract without coverage.
So it's pretty understandable why he'd sit this one out.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Just three years ago, though, Trout was the face of Team USA's run to the WBC Final. He posted a .962 OPS with three home runs and seven RBIs in seven games during the tournament. Of course, that run ended in unforgettable fashion when Trout struck out against then-teammateShohei Ohtanito seal a 3-2 championship win for Team Japan.
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Trout isn't alone in being sidelined by insurance complications. Fellow MLB vets Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa were also unable to acquire insurance and won't play for Team Venezuela and Team Puerto Rico, respectively. In 2023, Clayton Kershaw faced a similar issue and was left off the roster.
Even if Trout had been cleared to play, his role would have been a question mark. The American outfield now features Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong, with Kyle Schwarber expected to handle most of the designated hitter duties.
USA center fielder Mike Trout carries the American flag as he enters the ballpark for team introductions against Japan at LoanDepot Park.
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Source: The Latest & Most Breaking News With OutKick
