Mike Trout Doesn't Understand Why Angels Can't Compete with Top MLB Teams

Halos aren't quite there yet against the MLB's best

The Los Angeles Angels find themselves in a challenging situation as they wrap up their seven-game road trip against the formidable Houston Astros, the defending champions and one of the best teams in baseball. While the Astros had a slow start to the season, they have regained their form and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

In contrast, the Angels made significant efforts during the offseason to improve their team on paper. However, their on-field performance has failed to match those expectations. The Halos are in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, the AL West, and they have not done themselves any favors by struggling against the top teams they have faced so far. This has left their superstar, Mike Trout, frustrated with the team's inability to close the deal in crucial games. Trout told Angels insider Sam Blum that he wonders why they can't seem to close the deal against top teams like the Astros. 

Mike Trout said the Angels "for sure" should be able to compete against a team of the Astros' caliber.

“We’ve been in a lot of ballgames. We’ve had a lot of chances in a lot of ballgames. Just fell short. It’s a long season. Obviously we’ve gotta start picking it up.”

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) June 4, 2023

“We’ve been in a lot of ballgames. We’ve had a lot of chances in a lot of ballgames. Just fell short. It’s a long season. Obviously we’ve gotta start picking it up.”

Looking at the top two teams in their division alone, they've faced difficulties in preventing runs against these opponents while also struggling to score themselves. They're 2-7 against the Astros, and Texas Rangers in 2023, which is not how you want to be heading as things thicken in the playoff race. It raises questions about whether the Angels are truly ready to compete at the highest level or if they require something extra to deem themselves worthy of challenging the league's best.

Having the two best players in the world may not be enough for the Halos. The clock is ticking, and the Angels must figure out their shortcomings as soon as possible to turn their season around.