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MLB: Who’s the best player in 2019 – Mike Trout or Mookie Betts

By Kristen Bentley

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 26: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels talks to Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 26: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels talks to Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

When one player has eight years in and the other has five, it is difficult to do a side-by-side comparison of their entire careers.

So, I looked at it two ways. When looking at their first four years (aged 20-23) – subtracting their rookie seasons, Trout clearly has a subtle edge. Between 2012-2015, Trout led in most categories, especially those regarding power. He had 32 more plate appearance, 12 more runs, 29 more home runs, 9 more RBI, and 12 more triples. He also walked 99 more times.

In Betts four seasons between 2015-2018, he had 285 fewer strikeouts. He also had a 74% ball-in-play percentage to Trout’s 58%.

When looking at them both in 2015-2018, they are neck and neck. Betts had more plate appearances, 232 more than Trout in that same time period. This shows that Betts had fewer injuries during this time span. Their batting averages were .308 and .304 – Trout and Betts. Betts had more hits, RBI, doubles, and triples that Trout. But, Trout’s power numbers were better.

Trout had 176 more strikeouts and 171 more walks. Betts had more total bases and extra base hits. Their WAR numbers were close, too. Betts had 32.9 in those four seasons, while Trout had slightly more at 36.9.

Both men have the ability to get on base and score. Betts has the good fortune to be followed in the lineup by J.D. Martinez, who had a healthy 2018. Trout also has the good fortune to be followed by a power hitter, but Albert Pujols is a bit older and not always healthy. When Pujols is out of the lineup, walking Trout is a good idea for opposing teams. It’s never a good idea with Betts – there are just too many good hitters behind him.

Mike Trout has a slight edge in the offensive categories, especially when it comes to power. Betts is no slouch though. In 2018, he had an on-base streak that lasted for 24 games. The longest that Betts and Trout went without earning an RBI in 2018 was nine games. However, Betts ability to avoid the strikeout is notable. He is truly a tough out to get and it shows.

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