Mike Trout Reacts to Stan Kroenke’s Record $4 Billion Angels Purchase

Mike Trout expressed excitement following the Los Angeles Angels' sale to Stan Kroenke for a record-breaking $4 billion valuation.

Stan Kroenke has purchased the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno at a record-breaking $4 billion valuation, a figure that includes the franchise's television arm. The transaction, announced Tuesday morning, introduces an owner with a Forbes-estimated net worth of $24.3 billion, surpassing the $24.2 billion net worth of Steve Cohen and nearly quintupling Moreno’s $5 billion valuation. Mike Trout, who remains signed through 2030, described the move as a "fresh start" for a club currently facing its 11th consecutive losing season. The sale comes as the Angels flirt with the first 100-loss campaign in franchise history, prompting "sell the team" chants throughout the summer.

Kroenke’s sports portfolio includes championships across five major leagues: two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche, an NBA title with the Denver Nuggets, a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, an MLS Cup with the Colorado Rapids, and a Premier League title with Arsenal F.C. Since relocating the Rams to Los Angeles in 2016, his NFL team has made two Super Bowl appearances. Trout and shortstop Zach Neto contacted Rams players on Tuesday to vet the new ownership, receiving feedback that Kroenke prioritizes behind-the-scenes investment and winning culture.

Organizational Shifts and Management Deadlines

General manager John Mozeliak learned of the sale Tuesday morning when Angels president Molly Jolly delivered the news to his office. Jolly, a 25-year veteran of the organization's business side, was promoted to president six months ago in early March, succeeding the retired John Carpino. Following her promotion, Jolly dismissed former general manager Perry Minasian in late June and appointed Mozeliak as his replacement. Mozeliak’s current contract expires at the end of the calendar year, leaving his future and the hiring of a permanent head of baseball operations to be determined by the incoming ownership group.

The team must also decide on the status of manager Kurt Suzuki, who is currently serving on a one-year contract. While Mozeliak has already traded controllable players and replaced the pitching staff's coaching hierarchy, he noted that the timing of future hires must involve the new owners' calculus. The transition of power is not expected to be finalized until the first quarter of 2027, meaning the current front office will manage day-to-day operations through the upcoming offseason.

Moreno’s Departure and Franchise History

Arte Moreno, who purchased the Angels in 2003, will retain a small minority stake in the team despite the majority sale. This agreement follows a public and aborted sale attempt in August 2022, which Moreno withdrew five months later after touring stadium sites with multiple bidders. The current deal with Kroenke was conducted through private, informal conversations rather than a public auction. Under Moreno's tenure, the Angels have reached the postseason only once since 2010, a period during which he faced criticism for heavy-handed involvement in baseball operations and insufficient resource allocation.

Jolly and Mozeliak addressed the roster and coaching staff prior to Tuesday’s game against the New York Yankees to confirm that immediate operations remain unchanged. The Angels acquired full control of their TV arm by buying out the portion previously held by Main Street Sports, a move reflected in the $4 billion price tag. Trout, who reiterated his desire to remain with the franchise for the rest of his contract, noted that the change was necessary to restore a winning vibe to the clubhouse after years of frustration.