Stan Kroenke may be buying the Angels, but he apparently isn’t buying Mike Trout’s NFL loyalty.
Trout addressed the Angels’ blockbuster sale to the Rams owner on Tuesday, expressing optimism about the franchise’s fresh start while also offering a gracious farewell to longtime owner Arte Moreno.
“I mean, you kind of felt that way. It was needed,” Trout said. “No bad things, no hard feelings against Arte. But yeah, no, I’m super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium, and we’re all excited.”
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout speaks during a news conference after an announcement that the team would be sold on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. William Liang for CA PostTrout also made clear that his relationship with Moreno remains meaningful.
The three-time AL MVP noted that Moreno’s organization took a chance on him as a 17-year-old prospect from New Jersey and said the longtime owner had taken care of him and his family throughout his career.
But Trout didn’t waste much time investigating the man expected to replace him.
After the sale was announced, Trout reached out to a Rams player to get a firsthand scouting report on Kroenke.
“I reached out to one Ram player,” Trout said, joking that teammate Zach Neto had exaggerated how much reconnaissance they had done. “I’m not going to drop any names, but I spoke to one, and he had some really good things to say.”
Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke raises the Lombardi Trophy at the conclusion of Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Los Angeles Angels have been sold to Kroenke, adding to the Walmart heir’s burgeoning and increasingly successful sports portfolio. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectKroenke’s arrival could have significant implications for Trout, with one ESPN insider suggesting the ownership change could make a future Trout trade more conceivable.
Trout, however, gave no indication he is looking for an exit.
“No, it doesn’t change,” Trout said when asked whether Moreno’s departure affected his own loyalty to the organization. “I got four years left on my deal. I’m excited. Look, the track record, it’s there.”
Mike Trout and Josh Lowe of the Los Angeles Angels celebrate a 10-1 win over the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Getty ImagesKroenke’s résumé includes championships with the Rams, Nuggets and Avalanche, giving Trout reason to be intrigued about what the next era could bring to an Angels franchise that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2014.
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Angels fans have already celebrated Moreno’s departure after years of protests, including the viral “Sell the team” chants that took over Angel Stadium earlier this season.
Trout appears ready to see what Kroenke can build.
Los Angeles Angels all-star Mike Trout watches the Dallas Cowboys play the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Philadelphia. APThere is, however, one piece of the Kroenke sports empire he won’t be embracing.
Asked whether the new owner might finally get him to wear a Rams hat, Trout didn’t hesitate.
“I will not.”
That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
The South Jersey native has been a devoted Eagles fan since childhood, eventually becoming a season-ticket holder and a familiar face near the end zone at Philadelphia games.
So Kroenke may have inherited the greatest player in Angels history.
His football allegiance remains very much unavailable.
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