In 2009, a teenage Mike Trout sat in the MLB Draft green room, sharp suit on, quietly soaking in the chaos around him. He waited. And waited. Twenty-four names were called before his. Cameras caught the moment he was finally picked 25th by the Los Angeles Angels, a raw, unforgettable image of a kid who would one day become a generational superstar. It was a scene that stuck with fans because he was there.

Fast forward to 2025, and that kind of moment? Nowhere to be found. Not a single top prospect attended this year’s draft. The stage was set, the lights were bright, and yet, baseball’s future stars stayed home. No hugs with the commissioner, no live reactions, and no emotion-filled interviews. Just empty seats and missed opportunities.

And the backlash came quickly. “Players want to be paid for appearances these days and MLB isn’t going to pay them to show up,” wrote Sports Illustrated, noting agents advising clients against attending because “putting on the jersey” prematurely could hurt contract leverage.

Just last year, six first-round picks made the trip, names like Christian Moore, JJ Wetherholt, and Braden Montgomery. Their live reactions gave fans a face to connect with and media outlets something to build around. Montgomery, drafted by the Boston Red Sox before being traded to the Chicago White Sox, was instantly more visible because he showed up.

This year? Crickets. Sure, some prospects may have wanted to keep it private, celebrate at home with family, and that’s valid. But from a visibility standpoint, skipping the draft is a self-inflicted setback. Being present at the event opens doors, interviews, highlight reels, and social buzz. It builds a relationship with fans and media before these kids even take a swing in the minors.

Back in 2009, Trout didn’t just attend, he embraced it. Now, as he approaches the twilight of a Hall of Fame career, people still recall that draft day shot of a quiet kid waiting for his turn. That’s the kind of moment you can’t manufacture later. The hope is this year’s mass absence is just a blip, not a new trend. Because when the faces of the game aren’t there to meet the fans on one of baseball’s biggest nights, the entire sport loses something. And it may not get that moment back.

Mike Trout believes, but will the Angels?

The Angels have taken some serious punches this season, including a knee injury to their best player, Mike Trout, and an unexpected coaching change with Ron Washington stepping away for health reasons. But somehow, they’re still standing. Despite the turbulence, they entered Sunday’s matchup against the Diamondbacks sitting at 47-50, clinging to postseason relevance.

They’re only three games back of the Seattle Mariners for the AL’s final Wild Card spot. It’s not a comfortable position, but it’s a meaningful one, especially for a team that hasn’t seen October baseball since 2014. That drought feels longer with Trout on the roster. Now, the Angels are walking the tightrope between hope and hesitation. The front office has a decision to make. Do they believe in this group enough to buy at the deadline? Or is this recent run just smoke and mirrors, pushing them toward a more cautious, sell-heavy approach with July 31 fast approaching?

Trout, for one, thinks the organization is all in. “I think they know [of the team’s potential]. They’re down here, they see it and they feel it,” he told The Athletic’s Sam Blum. “They know the guys we got in this clubhouse. It’s fun to come to the ballpark.”

The Angels have gone 5-5 over their last 10 games, holding a 24–22 record at home. It’s not dominant, but it’s competitive enough to keep the dream alive. Still, eyes are on the front office, especially when it comes to Kenley Jansen. The 37-year-old closer, who leads all active MLB players in career saves, has delivered steady results this season. With a 3.38 ERA and 16 saves across 38 appearances, Jansen’s value is clear. He signed a one-year deal with L.A. this offseason, making him a prime trade candidate, but he’s not looking for a way out.

“Not finishing here would be disappointing,” Jansen said. “My mission is the Angels.”

And that’s where things get tricky. The Angels are in striking distance, but standing still can be just as risky as pushing forward. With a playoff spot within reach and Trout leading the clubhouse with belief, this front office faces a defining stretch.