The wrongful death lawsuit tied to the tragic passing of pitcher Tyler Skaggs has officially entered trial, and the Angels’ defense approach has already taken an intense hit. Every fan was desperately waiting for the trial when Judge H. Shaina Colover ruled that the Angels are not in a position to re-litigate the criminal case of former communications director Eric Kay. Currently, Kay is serving a 22-year prison sentence for providing the fentanyl-laced pill, which was responsible for Skaggs’ death in 2019.

This ruling took years of contentious back-and-forth between the team and the star’s family. The lawsuit was filed in 2021, and it also seeks $210 million in damages, with uncertainty surrounding whether the team either knew or should have known about Kay’s activity. Tyler Skaggs’ family’s legal team has continuously argued that the Angels concealed all forms of evidence and tried to delay the proceedings.

However, the decision from the judge can be identified as a huge win for the Skaggs family. As reporter Sam Blum said, “UPDATE: A massive win for the Skaggs side in court today. The judge ruled that the Angels CANNOT re-litigate the case against Eric Kay. Their defense had largely been based on saying Kay was wrongly convicted. The judge, after arguments, ruled in favor of the Skaggs side.” This decision now blocks the team from presenting evidence focused on challenging Kay’s guilt. Among the explosive revelations in pre-trial filings is deposition testimony that directly engages with the Angels’ Mike Trout.

His name got engaged when a former team attendant testified that the star outfielder once offered to pay for Kay’s rehab back in 2018. While he himself has not been accused of drug distribution, such allegations point out how deeply the situation could pull current and former stars into the spotlight.

For fans wondering what Mike Trout’s role means in the broader lawsuit, legal experts focus on the fact that the star’s name appears primarily in testimony that puts focus on the team environment of that period. The Skaggs family’s attorneys are expected to call multiple stars and managers as witnesses in the weeks ahead, highlighting that Mike Trout and other stars could be brought in to testify.

And beyond the courtroom, Mike Trout, in the filing, adds an intense personal layer, given his long-standing link with Skaggs on and off the field.

Trout’s link with Skaggs shines through memories and reactions

It was August 2019 when the toxicology report was revealed. That report highlighted that Tyler Skaggs had a mix of opioids and alcohol in his system. At that time, Mike Trout said that he was stunned.

Speaking publicly, the star said he had no idea Skaggs was taking substances like oxycodone and fentanyl. Trout also said that he would have intervened if he had known. “Obviously, it doesn’t change my view on Tyler,” Mike Trout said at the time. “He made a big impact on my life, this team. It was tough, but it doesn’t change the feeling I have for him,” he added.

That connection had been built over seasons, beginning when the two stars were drafted by the Angels in 2009. On the field, they enjoyed memorable moments, including a June 2018 win against the Athletics, where Trout went 3-for-3 at the plate while Skaggs ruled the field with seven powerful innings. Skaggs praised the early offense Trout helped to establish, saying it enabled him to pitch with confidence.

For Mike Trout, Skaggs was not just another star, but a constant presence who made the grind of MLB more meaningful. And after the devastating news, Trout stressed that every game reminded him of his late friend.

But meanwhile, as the Skaggs family’s $210 million lawsuit moves forward, the Angels face mounting legal and reputational force, while Mike Trout surfaces in ways that highlight his personal connection with Skaggs and the intricate scrutiny surrounding the tea culture. With jury selection just weeks away, the trial is set to test not only the team’s defense but also the league’s broader accountability.