So far, none of the superstars have said that they are opting out of the 2020 MLB season. Mike Trout could change that.
At this point, five players have chosen to opt out of the 2020 MLB campaign due to concerns about the ongoing pandemic and their high risk relatives. None of these players are really considered to be high profile, with Ryan Zimmerman being the biggest name of that group. While other players, including those that are high risk themselves, have stated that they are uncomfortable, the vast majority are coming back for the abbreviated season.
And then, there is Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout. With a pregnant wife back home, he has stated that he does not “feel comfortable” about playing in 2020, and that he is taking it by ear.
With pregnant wife, Angels star Mike Trout doesn't 'feel comfortable' on playing this year and will play it by ear.https://t.co/1dKpqaeRWx
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 3, 2020
It is understandable that Trout would have concerns. He is obviously going to want to be there for his wife, and the current plans for the 2020 season make that much more difficult. It is a difficult decision to make.
This is also a decision that could have major ramifications. Trout is arguably the best player in the game at this point, a true superstar in every sense of the word. Over the course of his nine years in the majors, he has put together a Hall of Fame caliber resume, an eight time All Star and three time MVP who has never finished worse than fourth in the voting over a full season.
With his performance and stature in the game, Trout’s actions can have a ripple effect. He is not the most vocal of players, preferring to let his game do the talking. In this case, the fact that he has voiced his concerns, and that he is considering not playing this season, will carry plenty of weight.
But imagine if Trout decides against playing, that he will take off a season in the midst of his prime because he feels the risk outweighs the reward. Other players that were on the fence could easily follow suit, turning what will already be the Year of the Asterisk into even more of a sham. All he needs to do is state that he will be back in 2021.
Mike Trout could hold the fate of the 2020 season in his hands. Considering how many other players have voiced their concerns about the upcoming season, it may just take one superstar to walk away for a chain reaction to occur.