Fansided

Top 5 Mike Trout comparisons in MLB history

By Josh Criswell

Jul 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) singles during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) singles during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Yankees hat and glove sit on the dugout steps during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Yankees hat and glove sit on the dugout steps during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle may be the most popular comparison for Mike Trout, but the argument can be made that the 23-year old is also on a very similar career path to that of Willie Mays.

Both players started their careers off by earning Rookie of the Year honors as 20-year olds, and both won their first MVP Award in their third season in the majors. Through his first three full seasons in the league, Mays recorded slightly better home run and slugging percentage numbers, while Trout was far superior on the base paths during this stretch. Both players put up very similar RBI, batting average and on-base percentage statistics.

During his Hall of Fame career, Mays was the definition of a five-tool player, much like Trout is today. The lovable outfielder complimented an incredible career by being one of just seven players to hit 300 home runs and steal 300 bases, a true testament to his lethal combination of power and speed.

Trout could join this club as well one day. He is already over one-third of the way there.

Mays was clearly the better fielder, as he is arguably the best defensive player of all-time with 12 gold gloves and some of the most memorable catches in MLB history. Just like the Say Hey Kid, though, Trout is a transcendent player who has established himself as one of the elite talents in the game in his early 20s. He is also one of the only players to ever come close to matching the legendary outfielder’s historic start to his career.

If Trout is lucky, he will experience the same longevity that Mays did, who played until he was 42-years old and ranks fifth all-time on the home run list.

Next: Ken Griffey Jr.

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