Nobody needs to be reminded of this, but Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout is not only the best player of his generation, but also one of the best in the history of the game.
The three-time MVP award winner has amazing career numbers and is still, theoretically, in his prime at 32 years old.
He might be about to start his decline phase, but fans hope it’s slow instead of sudden.
After undergoing surgery to repair the hamate bone on his left hand in 2023, he is expected to be fully healthy heading into spring training in 2024.
That will be crucial for the quest he has in front of him.
Among active players in MLB, only one has a higher slugging percentage than Trout.
It’s Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
“MLB active career leaders in slugging percentage (3,000+ plate appearances): #1 – Aaron Judge, .586 #2 – Mike Trout, .582,” Codify Baseball tweeted.
MLB active career leaders
in slugging percentage
(3,000+ plate appearances):#1 – Aaron Judge, .586
#2 – Mike Trout, .582 pic.twitter.com/OYdMuGGfWt— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 1, 2024
We are talking about two generational sluggers: one is 32, and the other one is 31.
They are both physically fit and ready to rock in 2024.
Will Trout be able to slug his way to first place again with a strong campaign this year?
In his injury-marred 2023, he slashed .263/.367/.490 with an .858 OPS, which is a bit off his usual pace.
Prior to that, his OPS was over .900 and almost always flirting with the 1.000 mark for 11 straight seasons.
If Trout’s wrist is healthy, he should be able to return to being that player.
Whether it will be enough to overtake Judge remains to be seen and will depend on his performance and that of the Yankees star.
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