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Trout and Time

 

  • Three time MVP award winner

  • Top five finish in the MVP voting from 2012-2020

  • Injured during the 2021 season would miss a majority of the season.

  • On pace for over 500 home runs 

  • Reached over 40 homers twice

  • A War of around 80 according to Baseball Reference which is the highest War of any Angels player in history of the franchise.

These accomplishments can only be describing one player! Number 27 on the Angels has been a staple of the baseball world since he appeared on the scene in 2011. In my opinion, Trout was one the first highly touted draft picks to appear at least in my generation. It takes a special player to be able to finish top five in MVP voting for eight years in a row.


Unfortunately, the Angels haven't found much success since the arrival of Mike Trout. A lot of fans and analysts figured that Trout paired with Otani would be a dream pairing and even though it is, the Angels haven't been able to put it together. 


The Angels have paired Trout with former All-Stars like Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Justin Upton, Anthony Rendon, and others. Thus far Otani is the only pairing that has worked out. Two problems that have plagued the Angels have been pithing and injuries. A lot of the injuries have plagued the big signings more than other players like Hamilton, Rendon, CJ Wilson, and others.


The Angels still have the luxury of having two of the greatest players in this generational with Trout and Otani sharing a locker room. I also believe that the Angels have a solid foundation to build upon; they just need some Angels in the outfield. Below are some stats from the team since Trout's debut eleven years ago. 



  • Three winning records since 2011

  • Only one play off appearance since 2011

  • Only two finishes at second place since 2011 

  • Four third place finishes since 2011 


By far the greatest player in Angels history based on numbers and overall War. Mike Trout never being on the national stage is the biggest disservice to baseball since Tony Gwynn spent his career in San Diego. Mike is unquestionably a generational talent and I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I would love to see Trout in not just the postseason but a World Series. Seeing Trout and Otani holding up the World Series trophy would be a nice bit of payback for them remaining loyal when most people run to the super teams.


I’ve thought for a while that the Angels would have benefited from a rebuild for the last few years. It does seem like they have tools, but normally struggle to put it all together. Credit to Mike Trout though his twelve year contract doesn’t include an opt out. If Trout does last out the contract with the Angels he will be 39 years old when his contract ends. 


Loyalty is a lost art in sports nowadays as everyone is so wrapped up with winning a championship. Twenty years ago the idea of staying with one team was super common, but things changed and everyone started jumping between teams. I respect Trout for wanting to stay with the Angels and I do hope before his career is over he could hold the World Series trophy at least once.


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