ANAHEIM, Calif.- The  Los Angeles Angels: recieved positive updates on Reid Detmers and Mike Trout heading Into next season.

The Angels may already be eliminated from postseason contention, but fans received two major reasons for optimism heading into the 2026 MLB season. On Tuesday, pitcher Reid Detmers and superstar outfielder Mike Trout provided positive health updates, giving hope to a franchise desperate to end its playoff drought. The Angels news comes after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which the club missed the postseason for the 11th straight year.

Reid Detmers Injury Update: No Tommy John Surgery

One of the most significant updates was on Reid Detmers’ injury status. After leaving his September 10 relief outing with elbow discomfort, there were fears he might need Tommy John surgery. However, an MRI revealed no structural damage, confirming that Detmers will avoid surgery and is expected to have a normal offseason.

“I’m good, no structural issues,” Detmers said. “It’s going to be a normal offseason. I’m rehabbing every day right now, nothing really going on. I’ll be ready for spring training.”

Detmers, a key part of the Angels pitching staff, admitted he was nervous waiting for the MRI results.“I didn’t know what to expect before the MRI, something wasn’t right. The MRI came back clean — very happy,” he said.

For the Angels, keeping Detmers healthy is crucial. The left-hander posted a 3.96 ERA with 13 holds and 80 strikeouts in 63.2 innings in 2025, numbers that look even better when excluding his rough April. Since May 15, he’s delivered a 3.51 ERA and emerged as one of the most reliable arms on the team.

Detmers also made it clear he still wants to be part of the Angels rotation moving forward.

“My year overall was good, a lot to take in. Coming into spring training not really knowing what would happen, then moving to the bullpen. I struggled early on, but from May on, I was very good. I’d love to be starting — all I’ve ever done is start — but I’ll do whatever the team wants me to do. Anything that helps us win. I can transfer my success this year to starting next season.”

The Angels, who finished with the third-worst team ERA in MLB (4.86), will need Detmers to step up in 2026. With uncertainty surrounding veterans Kyle Hendricks and Tyler Anderson, the only rotation locks are Yusei Kikuchi (4.05 ERA, 168 strikeouts) and José Soriano (4.26 ERA, 152 strikeouts). Detmers has the chance to secure a permanent role as a starter next season.

Mike Trout Injury Update: Struggles and Hope for 2026

Alongside Detmers, Mike Trout also addressed his health and struggles during a press conference. Trout, who hit his 400th career home run this season, admitted that lingering injuries severely affected his production in 2025 — statistically the worst year of his career despite playing his most games since his MVP-winning 2019 season.

“I have good days and bad days,” Trout explained. “Sometimes I’ll run down to first, come back in, and it’ll start aching again. This offseason is going to be normal. It’s definitely going to be on top of my radar with my PTs and the medical staff, getting it stronger and maintaining it for spring. I was still dealing with the bone bruise. I think I’m going to have to live with it because of the two surgeries. If I hit it a certain way, the bones just hit each other. I’m definitely going into this offseason trying to strengthen that knee and get my lower half back to normal.”

Because of his knee issues, Trout was limited to designated hitter duties all season. When asked about returning to the outfield, the Angels star said he would love to but hasn’t had those conversations yet. Given his injury history, there’s a chance Trout may remain a DH for the rest of his career.

Mike Trout on Plate Struggles and Adjustments

Beyond his knee problems, Trout also discussed his struggles at the plate. He admitted difficulty recognizing pitches and maintaining timing, citing a recent at-bat against Brewers starter Freddy Peralta as an example.

“Peralta threw a sinker, and I thought it was down and in. I look at the video — it’s middle-away. The ball is really moving up, pitches are sped up, and I’m not recognizing spin. A lot of times this year I’d take a fastball down the middle early in the count. Normally I’d swing, but I wasn’t able to pull the trigger. Then I’d get to two strikes and feel like I was playing defense instead of offense.”

Trout said a mechanical issue with his front foot and backside balance may have thrown off his vision and swing mechanics. “It was frustrating. It was tough,” he admitted.

The good news? Trout believes he has fixed the problem and will continue to refine his adjustments this offseason. When asked if he can return to MVP-caliber form, Trout’s response was simple: “Yes, I’m confident that I can get back to that.”

What It Means for the Angels in 2026

For a team that has endured more than a decade without October baseball, the Angels offseason updates provide rare optimism. Detmers avoiding surgery and potentially moving into the starting rotation, combined with Trout’s commitment to returning to elite form, could make the 2026 Angels far more competitive in the AL West.

There are still major questions — Trout’s long-term health remains uncertain, and the Angels’ pitching depth is far from secure. But with two franchise cornerstones heading into the winter with clear plans and renewed confidence, Angels fans have legitimate reasons to believe in a rebound.

The Angels may be out of the 2025 MLB playoffs, but the path toward redemption in 2026 is beginning to take shape.