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MLB: 5 players who could steal the MVP from Mike Trout

By Ed Carroll

Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels holds up the MVP trophy after after the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels holds up the MVP trophy after after the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Because there HAS to be a Detroit player to steal it from Trout, amiright? (No, I’m not). In all seriousness, Martinez has silenced any questions regarding his age or ability to hit after missing all of 2012 to an offseason injury and while he hit well in 2013, he was held back defensively (not that Martinez has ever been known for being a stellar defender, be it at first base or catcher).

2014 has been a different case; the Tigers trade of Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers allowed Miguel Cabrera to play first base more, where Detroit could hide his poor defense more easily, and allowed Martinez to become the primary DH, where Detroit could reap the benefits of Martinez raking with little downside.

Martinez has 32 home runs, a career-high for him (his previous best was 25 with Cleveland in 2007), is walking more than he has in almost a decade (he has a 10.9 percent walk rate, 2006 was the last time he did that over a full season), and his wOBA is .414, all at age 35.

If your definition of ‘MVP’ means “his team would be seriously sunk without this guy,” then you have to give the award to Trout, but Martinez should be somewhere on your ballot as well, as Martinez’s bat has helped carry the Tigers this season.

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