Angels News: Mike Trout’s Peers, Opposing Managers Call Him ‘Best Player Ever’
When discussing the greatest baseball players to ever lace their cleats up, names like Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth are among the top of people's lists. These legend clearly left their mark on the game for years to come and, in a sport that so many elements, have reigned superior over so many others.
However, a current superstar of your Los Angeles Angels has been getting some love in the GOAT conversation and that is none other than Mike Trout himself. The centerfielder has won the AL MVP three times and been named to the All-Star team ten times in his career. He also posted one of the best rookie seasons in history as he slashed .326/.399/.564 on route to a Rookie of the Year award, Silver Slugger, and a 10.5 bWAR.
San Fransisco Giants team manager Gabe Kapler recently noted Trout as the greatest player he's seen when asked his priorities to watch in the WBC.
"I think we're seeing the best player ever," said Kapler.
For an opposing team manager to regard the Angels star with such a label speaks on Trout's impact on the game. It is truly disappointing that injuries have robbed the baseball world of seeing what he could really accomplish. With the uncertain future of Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles, the Angels' front office is going to have revamp their roster to get their superstar into the postseason.
Trout is currently representing the red, white, and blue in the WBC and he was able to face off against the Angels on Thursday. His LA teammate Brett Philips echoed Kapler's comments following the exhibition in an interview with USA Today.
“I was super pumped,’’ said Philips. “To play against our starting center fielder, who in my opinion, is the best player to play this game in the 20th century.’’
Trout still has many years left in him and if he is able to put that injury history behind him, he has the chance to convince even more people he belongs on that very exclusive list.
