Los Angeles Angels’ Mount Rushmore
By Jason Reed
Mike Trout
Despite only playing for five full seasons, Mike Trout has made his mark as the best Angel of all time. No, that is not hyperbolic either, Trout actually leads all Angels all-time in WAR. This list, which is courtesy of Fangraphs, has Mike Trout atop all Angels ever with 47.7 WAR. Bear in mind that Trout ranks 22nd all-time in games played with the Halos, playing in 618 fewer games than second place batter Jim Fregosi.
Trout is the only player in franchise history to win multiple MVP awards. Trout has been something truly special for the Angels, as without him who knows where the franchise would be. Not only is Trout the face of the Angels, he is the face of the entire MLB. To leave a player as polarizing and fantastic as Trout off of the Angels Mount Rushmore is absurd. Sure, it can be argued that Trout wouldn’t make other teams’ Mount Rushmore, but I guarantee he belongs on over half. The guy is something truly special, and I think we have become numb to that.
Whether Trout plays 10 more games or 10 more years with the Halos it is undeniable he is the greatest Angel to ever play. No other player in the history of the franchise has performed the way Trout has, and he has only been at it for five years. We are all expecting Trout to break a multitude of records, and one day go into the Hall of Fame. When that day comes hopefully he will go in as an Angel.