Angels Baseball: Buster Posey’s opt-out decision puts spotlight on Mike Trout

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey becomes the biggest star to opt-out of the 2020 MLB season, but his decision could affect Angels slugger Mike Trout’s own choice.

With his wife, Jessica due to give birth to the couple’s first child later this summer, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout has already expressed his concerns about playing the 2020 season in the shadow of COVID-19. Now, that decision may be more in focus.

On Friday, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey announced that he is opting out of the season. He announced his decision on a Zoom call with media members, including Bob Nightengale of USA Today, declaring his intentions to sit out the season due to the current atmosphere.

Posey had been out of camp for several days, with what manager Gabe Kapler termed “a personal issue.” That personal issue turned out to be Posey and his wife adopting twin girls, but when the girls were born prematurely and being placed in NICU, the perennial all-star decided it was best that he be there for them and also avoid any potential exposure.

"“With these babies being as fragile as they are, for the next four months at a minimum,” Posey said. (h/t MLB Trade Rumors)."

Posey becomes the biggest name to decide against playing in 2020. He joins a pool that includes Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman, Tyson Ross, Joe Ross, Mike Leake, Nick Markakis, Felix Hernandez, and Wellington Castillo in opting out.

With that decision, eyes will naturally turn toward Anaheim and focus specifically on Mike Trout. The game’s top player will see the birth of his first child in August, and the health of his wife and unborn baby is already weighing on him. He spoke with the media earlier this spring and relayed his thoughts, casting uncertainty on whether he will actually suit up this season.

"“Honestly, I still don’t feel comfortable,” said Trout. “We’re risking our families, risking our lives to go out here and play for everyone…I want to play. It’s just a tough situation. I’ve just got to play it by ear.” (via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic)"

While Trout’s wife still has another month to go, Posey’s reasoning certainly puts things into perspective for the Angels, their fans, and undoubtedly Mike Trout. The concerns of welcoming a newborn into these times of uncertainty are justifiable, and both Posey and Trout have to do what is in the best interest of their families and health.

If Trout does opt-out, it will hurt the Angels and MLB in 2020. However, we as fans will need to have perspective on the matter as the bigger picture surely trumps what can happen on a baseball field during a shortened season.

This isn’t about 60 games, it is about protecting life at its most fragile state.