Angels GM Thinks Mike Trout Could Lead MVP Conversation in 2024
Although the Angels lost more than they've gained this offseason, one constant remains superstar outfielder Mike Trout.
Trout will enter his 14th year in the league, all with the Halos. In his tenure, he's brought fans, teammates, and everyone around the organization great joy.
Trout's talent hasn't resulted in a single playoff victory for the Angels, or even a postseason berth since 2014. But there's no doubting the natural talent he possesses.
Since his 2011 debut, Trout wasted little time establishing himself as the best player in the league in a short time. Although only 32 years old, Trout already has many miles on his baseball resumé.
These past few seasons have been rough on the future Hall of Famer. Injuries have limited him to 237 of a possible 486 games the last three years.
However, Angels general manager Perry Minasian believes Trout can reach the pinnacle again. In an interview this week with reporters, including USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Minasian said he believes Trout can lead the pack of the American League MVP conversations this season.
“The one constant for me the last three years is Mike Trout. You know he’s going to show up in great shape. And you know he’s going to be extremely motivated to not only be as good as he can be, but to make everyone around him better. To me, he’s one of the best players, if not the best player in the game, so it would not shock me at all if he’s not just back in that [MVP] conversation, but leading that conversation. His mind is in a great place, and he’s ready to go."
— Angels GM Perry Minasian via USA Today
If healthy, Trout still has the talent to be in the MVP discussion again. The main issue, of course, is his health. His 2021 season was cut short due to a calf strain. His 2023 campaign was cut in half due to a fractured hamate.
Trout has never had an OPS lower than .990 in a season of 140 or more games. Over a five-season run from 2015-19, Trout maintained an otherworldly 182 OPS+ while averaging 37 homers and 20 steals per year.
The Angels might not have enough pitching or offensive firepower around Trout to compete for a postseason spot in 2024. If not, a healthy Trout gives fans the possibility of watching the game's best player over a full season, it's something few teams can offer their fan base.
