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Los Angeles Angels: Major Takeaways From the 2016 Season

By Greg Goldstein

Sep 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) looks on as the team trainer talks with center fielder Mike Trout (27) after he was hit by a pitch in the shoulder in the eighth inning of the game against the against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) looks on as the team trainer talks with center fielder Mike Trout (27) after he was hit by a pitch in the shoulder in the eighth inning of the game against the against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Great (Mike Trout)

Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s all about Mike Trout for the Los Angeles Angels. The 24 year-old former MVP proved once again that he is the best baseball player on the planet. Trout hit for an impressive .315 batting average to pair with a league leading .441 on-base percentage. The center fielder also delivered his fair share of power, hitting 29 balls out of the yard. This was a fairly big decrease from 2015 when he hit over 40, but it’s still a good output nonetheless.

Trout did improve on the basepaths as he swiped 30 bags in 37 tries. This was the most stolen bases Trout has had in a single season since 2013. His defensive metrics stayed pretty much the same, which isn’t a bad thing. His defensive WAR according to Baseball Reference was a solid 1.0. He has the ability to make any play in the field and is always playing hard without voicing any frustrations about the rest of his team’s play. His overall WAR was a 10.6, which leads Mookie Betts, who was the second highest WAR (9.55), by a full point.

It’s really unfortunate that it feels like Trout will be robbed of another MVP considering the history of the players that get the reward. Many make the argument that if he was the most valuable he would elevate the Angels to be at least close to a postseason spot, but honestly in the team sport that baseball is, what other player could possibly do that? Probably none.

His play kept fans engaged as the rest of the Angels squad was faltering. He was absolutely the only great thing that the team experienced in what was a disappointing season.

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