The fans’ favorite MLB opposition player: A Twitter study

The Winner

Trout won in our randomized pick of Vitelli’s replies, which, frankly were a hot mess to sort out since some people named athletes from other sports, athletes from several sports, or decided to lecture others without responding to the prompt (e.g., “Why do so many reject the idea of just being a fan of the sport[?] Sure [,] one can have a favorite team but so many people get butthurt over ‘rival’ teams and players. Almost as if we’re not happy unless there’s conflict”).

More from MLB News

• MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves still on top with major shifting below them
• Caesars MLB Promo Code: Two Shots at Picking the World Series Winner!
• MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves still on top amid a big shake-up in top 10
• DraftKings MLB Promo: Bet $5 on an Anytime Home Run, Win $150 Bonus GUARANTEED
• MLB Power Rankings: After MLB trade deadline, gap is closing on Atlanta Braves

To cut to the chase, Trout won this study going away. He is the favorite MLB opposition player. He tallied 7½ of the 51-plus votes needed to fill in 40 lines for MLB players.

Obviously, this is encouraging for professional baseball at the highest level despite the current, awful situation everyone is dealing with.

Thirty-nine other opposition players were quickly named as respected enough to spend money on – maybe a t-shirt, if not an expensive jersey…?

Behind Trout, immediately, were Javy Baez (2¼ votes) and a wide variety of players under the two-vote threshold led by Christian Yelich and Bryce Harper (both 1-plus in total and named by three voters). Other players included stars (Max Scherzer), retired stars (Bo Jackson), and some surprises (Brock Holt).

Again, however, the quick and wide-spread votes gave credence to the notion that fans are still thinking about MLB during the COVID-19 Spring. Favorite MLB opposition players are far more instantly identifiable creatures than might have been predicted this May Day.