Why did no one take notice of Mike Trout’s 2013 campaign?

Throughout much of the 2013 Major League Baseball season, especially the season’s second half, talk of the American League MVP Award centered around just two players: Chris Davis, first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, and Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers’ third baseman who was eyeing another Triple Crown.

However, neither of these players – whose seasons were admittedly remarkable – should win the American League MVP. That award belongs to Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In 157 games this season, Trout hit .323 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs – carrying an Angels’ offense that saw its fair share of issues, ranging from a struggling Josh Hamilton to an injured Albert Pujols. He also added 39 doubles, 190 hits and stole 33 bases – narrowly missing the 30-30 club after hitting 30 homers and stealing 49 bases in 2012.

Trout is one of the greatest to ever play the game, yet you hardly hear his name unless he makes some circus catch in center field. This season, I think a lot of that can be chalked up to the fact that the Angels were out of contention early and to be frank, baseball fans had little reason to watch Angels games.

No other player in the game possesses all five tools to the extent that Trout does. Before you even think it, Bryce Harper doesn’t even come close. Until Harper puts up a Trout-esque season, then I consider the two to be very distinct players. Trout is the best all-around player in Major League Baseball and it’s time he’s recognized for the season he had.