Mike Trout shares 7-word message ahead of Opening Day

Mike Trout will start his sixteenth season in MLB when the Los Angeles Angels tackle the Houston Astros on Opening Day. Leading as much as the primary recreation of the 2026 season, Trout posted a seven-word message on social media.

The 34-year-old outfielder revealed how grateful he is to play one other 12 months of baseball. Thursday’s contest might be Trout’s 1,649th profession recreation, as he goals to guide the Angels to a profitable season, regardless of the criticism surrounding the group.

“Feel grateful everyday to play this game,” stated Trout.

It’s been a bit of a tough go for the 11-time All-Star for the reason that 2020 marketing campaign. He’s solely performed triple-digit video games twice up to now six seasons. In 2025, Trout performed in 130 video games, essentially the most since 2019, and completed with a .232 batting common and .359 OBP. He additionally recorded 106 hits, 26 dwelling runs, and 64 RBIs.

Mike Trout will bat second within the Angels’ lineup on Opening Day. Shortstop Zach Neto will lead off, whereas first baseman Nolan Schanuel will hit third. Los Angeles is in search of designated hitter Jorge Soler to step up within the cleanup spot in opposition to the Astros. Trout’s positioning places him in a pleasant spot to place Neto in scoring place, whereas additionally having some RBI alternatives early within the order.

The Angels start the season with a four-game street sequence in opposition to the Astros. Despite the franchise’s struggles in recent times, Los Angeles really has some thrilling younger gamers round Trout this season. Neto and Schanuel are each former prime prospects throughout the group, whereas catcher Logan O’Hoppe is seen as one of the very best younger catchers in MLB.