Shocker, Mike Trout tops the list of MVP candidates heading into the 2016 season. The Angels have been somewhat disappointing over the past few seasons, but Mike Trout has been nothing short of fantastic despite the slight dip in his average last year.
Trout began his career quietly in 2011 at the age of 19, finishing with just 123 at-bats and five home runs with a measly .220 average. In 2012, he finally got his opportunity to be a full-time starting outfielder in the big leagues. He finished his first campaign with a .326 average to go along with 30 homers and 86 RBI.
It was clear then that the Angels had gotten one of the brightest young stars in baseball — a kid that would dethrone Miguel Cabrera as the top hitter in the game. Well, that may have to wait until Cabrera’s batting average declines or he retires, but Trout is overwhelmingly considered the top young player in baseball.
In 2015, he hit .299 with a career-best 41 home runs to go along with 90 RBI. His RBI production will need to increase, but it had something to do with teammates failing to get on base at the same rate they did the season before when he had 111 RBI.
Trout might be the AL’s favorite to win the MVP in 2016, but don’t overlook other guys such as Manny Machado and Carlos Correa, either.
For more MLB Opening Day coverage, check out our hub page.