5 best MLB performances from first half of the season
Mike Trout
It is hard to fathom that Mike Trout is only 23 years old.
The reigning American League MVP will be making his fourth consecutive MLB All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday. This should come as no surprise, as the Los Angeles Angels outfielder has not missed an All-Star Game since being called up to the majors.
There is something different about Trout this season, though.
He no longer appears to be the type of player that will be a threat to steal 40 bases in a season, though not that his speed is declining. He is simply preserving his body in order to stay off the disabled list and keep providing the Angels with the talents that have made him arguably the best five-tool player in the game.
Trout is already at 26 home runs on the season, tied for the second-best in baseball and putting him on pace to exceed his career-high of 36 (set last year) with ease. His 5.9 wins above replacement is the best in the American League by over a run, he ranks in the top-10 in batting average and RBI, and has yet to commit an error this season.
It is safe to say that Mike Trout is playing just as well, if not better, than he did during his MVP campaign last year.
As a result, he has helped the Angels overtake the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West. If he keeps up this level of play, it is difficult to imagine anyone but Trout bringing home the 2015 American League MVP.