Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout is already a Hall of Famer
By David Hill
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout has not even reached his hypothetical prime, but he is already a Hall of Fame caliber player.
it is hard to believe that Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is only 26 years old. He has the type of resume that long term veterans would be envious of, a star whose ability has transcended generations. Trout has already been a six time All Star and won two MVP awards, never finishing worse than fourth in the vote over any full season. He has produced a blend of power and speed that is virtually unmatched in the game today, having hit 213 homers and stolen 171 bases in just his eighth season.
His incredible performance on the field has already earned Trout comparisons to some of the all time greats. The most similar players to Trout through 25 years old reads like a list of the inner sanctum of the Hall of Fame, with Frank Robinson, Ken Griffey Jr. Mickey Mantle, and Hank Aaron as the top four. Seven of the top ten most similar players are already in the Hall of Fame, with Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera likely to join them.
As it currently stands, if Trout did not play another game, his career would already be worthy of the Hall of Fame in one metric. Based on the JAWS system, the average Hall of Fame caliber center fielder has produced a 57.9 WAR in their seven year peak. Trout, with two partial years, including his 2018 campaign, is at 57.0.
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Considering that he already leads the American League with a 3.1 WAR after just 34 games, it is not inconceivable that he will surpass that average mark by the end of May. He is already ninth on that list for center fielders, ahead of players such as Richie Ashburn and Andre Dawson. If Trout even has an average year by his standards, generating 9.4 WAR per 650 plate appearances, he would surpass Duke Snider for seventh on the list, just behind Joe DiMaggio.
As this metric is based on the seven peak years for a player, it is possible that Trout will move even higher up that list. He will turn 27 years old in August, with his prime still ahead of him. He appears destined to become the ninth member of the 300 home runs/300 stolen base club as long as he stays healthy, and could get there in the next few years.
Trout is not just a Hall of Fame caliber player based on the JAWS method of evaluation. According to Bill James‘ Black Ink Test and Hall of Fame Monitor, Trout is ahead of the average Hall of Famer as well. He has scored a 30 in regards to Black Ink, ahead of the average of 27. Likewise, Trout’s Hall of Fame Monitor score is a 105, with the average Hall of Famer clocking in at an even 100. Even if he plays just ten years, the minimum required to be on the ballot, Trout has the resume that would lead him to Cooperstown.
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When watching Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout, we are in the presence of greatness. We are also watching what could be a member of the inner sanctum of the Hall of Fame in his prime. His resume, at just 26 years old, indicates that he is well on his way to immortality.