Mike Trout isn’t just having a good season for the Angels, he’s absolutely tearing it up and has a real shot at making MLB history. For a team that’s struggled so much, he’s the one bright spot, delivering the kind of performance that puts him in the same breath as legends like Barry Bonds and Mike Piazza. Yeah, we’re talking about a tenth Silver Slugger award here.
Trout’s All-Star Comeback Is Keeping A Rough Season Watchable
Let’s be real, the Los Angeles Angels are having another season to forget. They’re one of the worst teams in the league, even after making some rare mid-season sales. It’s been a tough watch, right? But then there’s Mike Trout. This guy has truly returned to his All-Star form, making an otherwise dismal season at least exciting when he steps to the plate. After a few concerning seasons and not winning a Silver Slugger in four years, it’s awesome to see him dominate again. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report summed it up, saying Trout has a “good chance” to join some seriously elite company. He’s maintained a ridiculous .386 on-base percentage, which is straight up balancing out some of the pop he’s understandably lost since hitting his mid-30s. If this man stays healthy, he’s got a clear path to that tenth Silver Slugger, putting him alongside Bonds (who has 12) and Piazza (who has 10) as the only players to hit that mark since 1980. That’s Hall of Fame stuff, plain and simple.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Trout Is A Silver Slugger Favorite
You want to know how good Trout is playing? Just look at the stats! Through 103 games and 372 at-bats, the dude’s got 91 hits, 69 runs scored, 16 doubles, and 20 home runs. He’s also racked up 45 RBIs, swiped 10 bases, drawn 82 walks, and kept his average at .245, with a stellar .388 on-base percentage. His slugging percentage is .449 and his OPS is a fantastic .837, with a 140 OPS+. That’s a serious stat line for someone who’s been around as long as Trout has. His 3.6 bWAR this season is his most valuable since way back in 2022. When you compare him to other qualified outfielders in the American League, it’s even clearer: his .837 OPS ranks first, his 20 homers put him fourth, his 69 runs are second best, and his 81 walks lead the pack at second. Oh, and that .388 on-base percentage? That’s first among AL outfielders. He’s not just a contender for the Silver Slugger, he should absolutely be the favorite, provided he doesn’t hit some major slump or get sidelined for the rest of the year.
If he pulls this off, Trout isn’t just adding another award to his shelf, he’s cementing himself even further as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Keep watching, because this season is far from over, and history is within reach.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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