It’s January 2013, and unusually warm weather is hitting New York City. Baseball’s brightest stars have gathered at the New York Hilton to receive awards from the Baseball Writers Association of America. Among them are MVPs Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey, along with Rookies of the Year Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.
Harper, dubbed “The Chosen One” at just 16, shined in his first full season with the Washington Nationals, earning 16 of 28 first-place votes. Trout, a unanimous Rookie of the Year from the Los Angeles Angels, was impressively nicknamed the “Millville Meteor.” His remarkable 10.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) season is still considered one of the best in baseball history, sparking debates about the MVP race. While Cabrera won the Triple Crown and 22 first-place votes, Trout secured the remaining six.
At just 21, Trout celebrated his success with the Angels, who were looking to regain their former glory from 2002-2009 when they were perennial playoff contenders. However, the team made it back to the playoffs only in 2014, failing to win since then—a notably long drought for such a talented player.
In the modern postseason format, many teams have found success, yet Trout hasn’t made a significant December appearance since his rookie season in 2009. As the years passed, fans began to wonder where Trout had gone, frequently spotting him at Philadelphia Eagles games or appearing as a witness in a court case related to a former teammate.
Though he once dazzled fans with his skills, Trout now faces challenges. At 34, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his career. Former Angels coach Dino Ebel remarked on the unfortunate reality of Trout’s declining visibility and impact in high-stakes games: “He kind of got left behind.”
Historically, Trout has been compared to legends like Mickey Mantle and has consistently been among the best players in the game. However, his participation has waned due to injuries. Since signing a 12-year, $426 million contract in 2019, he has experienced a series of medical setbacks, missing a significant number of games over the past several seasons.
Interestingly, Trout’s journey is paralleled by that of another baseball icon, Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken noted the importance of loyalty to a team but also acknowledged the bittersweet feeling of not winning more championships, a concern for Trout as well. While many great players never won a World Series, they at least have playoff experience. Trout’s 87.5 WAR is the highest for any player who hasn’t even won a postseason game.
Trout strives for a turnaround this season, indicating the desire to rise above the challenges. His shift from center field to right field aims to ease the strain on his body. Yet, even as he remains optimistic, some industry experts speculate about his transition to a designated hitter role.
Despite challenges, there’s hope. The introduction of an expanded playoff format could provide the Angels with a path back to contention. After all, even a team with a rough history like the Rockies managed playoff appearances after years of struggle.
Trout’s commitment to the Angels mirrors Ripken’s loyalty to the Orioles, with a shared wish to lead their teams back to glory. The potential for a redemption story remains, with keen anticipation for what might unfold in the chapters ahead of Trout’s career.
For more insights on Trout and his performance, check out Baseball Reference.
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Los Angeles Angels, MLB
