Angels star Mike Trout won’t let contract negotiations distract him

TEMPE, Ariz.—Mike Trout didn’t even wait for the question. With as many as 25 media members gathered around him in Tempe Diablo Stadium before Wednesday’s first full-squad workout, the Angels center fielder launched right into the topic on everyone’s mind.

“I know what you’re going to ask, but I don’t want to comment on contract negotiations,” said Trout, who finished second in American League most valuable player voting in 2012 and 2013. “I’m here to get ready for the season.”

Trout, 22, is a year away from arbitration and four years away from free agency, but the Angels, as owner Arte Moreno confirmed last week, are trying to secure him to a multi-year deal that is expected to make him one of baseball’s highest-paid players.

But Trout’s focus is not on a huge payday. It’s on helping the Angels avoid the sluggish starts that torpedoed their playoff chances the last two seasons and finding a way to improve on two superb seasons that don’t appear to leave much room for improvement.

Trout hit .326 with a .399 on-base percentage, .564 slugging percentage, 30 homers, 83 runs batted in, 129 runs and 49 stolen bases in 2012. He had a .323/.432/.557 slash line with 27 homers, 97 RBIs, 109 runs and 33 stolen bases in 2013.

“There’s always stuff to work on,” said Trout, who opened last season in left field but moved to center after Peter Bourjos was hurt in late June. “My first step on the bases — my stolen bases were down last year — getting better jumps in the outfield.

“Playing center field this season, I feel a lot more comfortable coming into the season. Left field was a big adjustment, a challenge, for me. It affected me at the plate sometimes, thinking about it. I was a center fielder my whole life.”

After raising some concern by reporting to camp at a bulked-up 241 pounds last spring, Trout weighed in at 235 pounds Tuesday, three pounds lighter than he was at the end of last season. He likes to play between 233 and 236 pounds.

“I feel great,” Trout said. “I worked out with a personal trainer all winter. I’m right where I want to be.”