At the conclusion of his age 27 season, Mike Trout had already amassed 285 career home runs.
Entering his prime years as an athlete, Trout had already cemented himself as a future Hall of Fame player. His 72.2 career bWAR by the end of the 2019 season was evidence enough.
Many people were of the opinion that the Angels’ star outfielder was going to set records in Major League Baseball. Fans and analysts believed ultimately that Trout would break his way in to the 600 home run club. A club that is exclusive to just 9 members of baseball lore.
Entering the shortened 2020 COVID season, Trout was ahead of the curve. However, this year began a trend for Mike. The trend that was soon to be revealed was health. Outside of his 2022 season, where he played in 119 games, the future Hall of Fame outfielder has played in just 36% of his games. Injuries have caught up to Trout, and his inability to stay on the field has hurt his chase of baseball history.
Trout vs Time
If he retired today, there is no doubt that the Baseball Writers Association of America would vote him in on the first ballot in his class.
At just 33 years of age, there is an argument that he can play another 5-7 years in Major League Baseball. Trout is in the 15th season of his big league career, debuting in the 2011 season. His first full season in baseball, 2012, saw him accumulate a 10.5 WAR, finish runner-up in the AL MVP voting, and claim the Rookie of the Year award.
If the Angels’ outfielder is to chase the 600 home run club, he is going to first remain healthy. On May 2, 2025, Trout was once again placed on the Injured List. While the stay on the IL should be short, this is another example of the 11-time All-Star missing games. As he ages, he will need more opportunities to hit the long ball, not fewer.
Can He Do It?
If Mike Trout can return from the Injured List as scheduled, he is still on pace to play over 100 games this season. With 9 HRs in his 29 games already in 2025, he has not lost the ability to put the ball in the seats.
At this pace, Trout can find himself within the 25-35 home run range by season’s end. If he hits 13 more long balls, he will have hit his 400th career shot. This pace would put him around the 410 range by the conclusion of the 2025 season.
From 2026 to 2030, the Angels will still have the future Hall of Fame center fielder under contract. That gives Trout 5 more seasons to try and hit roughly 190-200 home runs. He would have to hit around 40 a season to reach the 600 home run club.
The question is can Mike Trout hit 600 career home runs. He will have to find a way to stay on the field first and foremost. If he can succeed there, I believe that he still has the tools to chase history.
One thing is for certain. We are still watching one of the greatest baseball players of all time lace up a pair of spikes. When Trout returns in 2025, we should begin to appreciate the career he has already delivered.
Matt Watson Media 
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