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MLB Awards Watch: Here comes Mike Trout (again)

By Brad Rowland

July 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) congratulates center fielder Mike Trout (27) after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) congratulates center fielder Mike Trout (27) after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs after he hits a single in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs after he hits a single in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – To this point, it has been Bryce Harper’s season, but Mike Trout is taking over… again. The reigning MVP now leads MLB in home runs (31) and fWAR (6.3) to go along with runner-up marks (to Harper) in both wRC+ (190) and slugging (.632). Throw in the fact that he has 10 stolen bases with elite base-running upside and quality defense at a premium position, and Trout is a runaway leader in the AL. It seems crazy, but he’s actually underrated by the general public, even after a sustained run of absolute excellence.
  2. Manny Machado, 3B Baltimore Orioles – Machado has quietly been incredible this season. He has already earned the reputation as one of the best defensive players in baseball, but the 23-year-old is also smacking the cover off of the ball. Machado has posted 21 home runs (and 14 stolen bases) to go along with a .517 slugging percentage, and if he can keep that pace at the plate alongside his defense, he’s a perennial MVP contender.
  3. Lorenzo Cain, OF Kansas City Royals – It helps that Cain has been the best player on the best team in the AL. His defense is elite, and that is what buoys him to the top three here, but Cain has been quite effective at the plate as well. For the season, he boasts a .313/.370/.501 slash line with 11 home runs, and his speed (18 SB) is enough to present a great deal of added value offensively. He’s a joy to watch.
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