This competition among outfielders is one of the most interesting competitions throughout Major Leauge Baseball simply because of how different these three players are from each other. All three outfielders remain in the hunt for the final spot in the outfield where Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mike Trout have basically cemented their position. Mark Trumbo has been a power hitter this season, Cain has been his speedy defensively minded self with on base ability, and Betts has been a combination of both.
Mark Trumbo has stepped onto the scene this season as one of the best outfielders in the game. His defensive ability is nothing to write home about, but his offense has been very impressive all season long. He’s hitting .279/.330/.554 with 22 home runs and a wRC+ of 132, which is very impressive for a player who has never posted a wRC+ over 125 and only once has he gotten close.
Lorenzo Cain is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, if not the best. He covers so much ground in center field that it feels impossible to get a hit by sending a ball anywhere near him. Although his defensive ability is what is most talked about, his offensive skills are very good as well. This season he’s hitting .291/.337/.418 with 8 home runs and 100 wRC+, which is above average especially considering how good he is in the field.
Mookie Betts has played incredibly well this season, keeping him in the same class as other Boston young stars like Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts. Betts holds his own defensively, and he carries a big bat. He’s hitting .289/.330/.506 with 16 home runs and a wRC+ of 117.
Betts has been the best overall hitter among these three, but Cain and Trumbo are strong in their own regards. Cain has the defensive prowess while Trumbo has the great power. I think that Betts deserves the vote because of his all-around game but none of these players will be left off the roster.
Next: Take Your Pick