Mike Trout keeps getting stronger
Arguably the best player in the league, Trout’s ahead of the pack in the AL MVP race. And it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon.
Mike Trout continues to showcase why he's one of baseball's premier sluggers. In his ninth major league season, the Angels center fielder has so far posted the highest on-base-plus-slugging percentage (1.098) of his career.
While Trout's numbers have improved year over year since his debut in 2011, two key factors have played a big role in making him a favorite for what would be his third American League MVP honor.
According to Baseball Savant, he’s hitting at a higher average launch angle (20.7 degrees) and a career-high 20.3% of his balls put in play are barreled, putting him at the 99th percentile in baseball. The two factors combine to explain why he’s leading the AL with 28 home runs.
But we know Trout’s been hitting high and hard since he was named rookie of the year in 2012, but what makes this year different? It’s where he’s hitting the ball.
Until this season, Trout's hits were spread relatively evenly between left and right field, especially his doubles and home runs. This year, he's hitting more to left field.
Average position of each hit by season since 2014
Trout's hitting a lot deeper and farther left this season, even compared to his MVP Seasons in 2014 and 2016.
Home Runs
Doubles
Singles
'16
2019
413
2014
2016
400
399
310
288
319
209
220
240
Avg Distance (Feet)
Home Runs
2019
413
2014
2016
400
399
Avg Distance (Feet)
Doubles
Singles
'16
310
288
319
209
220
240
Home Runs
2019
413
2014
2016
400
399
Avg Distance (Feet)
Doubles
'16
310
288
319
Singles
209
220
240
Home Runs
2019
413
2014
2016
400
399
Avg Distance (Feet)
Doubles
'16
310
288
319
Singles
209
220
240
By increasing his launch angle, Trout is hitting the ball farther. His average home run has been 413 feet. He currently leads the AL with 28 home runs and he’s on pace to surpass his career high of 41 home runs.
Sources: Baseball Savant, baseball-reference.com
Credits: Photos by Duane Burleson/AP and Nick Wass/AP. Photo Illustration by Rahul Mukherjee