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Looking Into the Crystal Ball: Predicting the 2020 MLB Award Winners

By Rob Myerson

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 10: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 10, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 10: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 10, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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American League MVP: Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels

Last year, Call to the Pen wondered: “Who can challenge Mike Trout for MVP?”. The eventual answer was, no one. Obviously there’s nothing exciting about this pick, but the eventual resumption of the 2020 season will mark the beginning of Mike Trout’s fifth MVP campaign.

In his nine seasons, the Angels’ right fielder has already compiled a higher career WAR of all but 49 Hall of Famers. Trout hasn’t finished below fourth in MVP voting in his entire career, and that season was the lone time that he didn’t finish within the top two. The guy was put on earth to play baseball.

After slashing .291/.438/.645 along with 45 home runs and 100+ runs and RBIs last season, the Angels provided him with a new toy for 2020, former Washington Nationals MVP candidate, Anthony Rendon.  Healthier versions of Shohei Ohtani and Justin Upton should also be able to add to his run total.

As Trout matures in strength and experience, maybe this is the year that he manages to reach the 50 home run plateau for the first time in his career. Regardless, Trout better make some more room on his mantle.

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