Los Angeles Angels: There is a legitimate case for not voting for Mike Trout

The Los Angeles Angels have an all-star lock every season in Mike Trout. However, right now, it is not a crazy thing to not vote for Trout.

You would think that the best player in baseball is a bonafide lock to make the MLB All-Star Game, right? At least that is the case with Los Angeles Angels center fielder, Mike Trout, who has been an all-star every single year besides his 40-game season in 2011.

And to be completely honest, Trout essentially is a lock. He is likely going to receive the most votes in all of baseball and is going to be the starting center fielder of the American League All-Star Team. He is the best player in the world and he deserves it.

It helps that he is having a great season, even if it is slightly down in his terms. Trout is hitting .284 with 13 home runs, 34 RBIs and a 1.043 OPS. Those are all-star numbers.

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However, as crazy as it sounds, you could make a legitimate case for voting for three other outfielders in the American League. It sounds absolutely absurd, and it kind of is, but in early June there are three outfielders that have stood toe-to-toe with Trout and arguably have been better.

Those three outfielders are none other than fellow American League West outfielders George Springer and Joey Gallo as well as Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Austin Meadows.

How does each man stand up? Let’s start with Springer.

Springer is having a fantastic season thus far and is one of the leading MVP candidates in the American League. With the Astros more than likely making the postseason, it would not be surprising to see him win the award if the Los Angeles Angels do not make it.

Springer is hitting .308 with 17 home runs, 43 RBIs and a 1.032 OPS. He has a better batting average, more home runs and more RBIs than Trout while having a virtually identical OPS.

It is hard to refute his all-star status, however, his current IL stint will likely keep him out of all-star festivities, but as of now, it is OK to vote for Springer.

Gallo is also having a phenomenal year and has really stepped up his game to an entirely new level. While he is striking out a lot, he is hitting .272 with 16 home runs, 39 RBIs and a 1.048 OPS. More home runs, more RBIs, a better OPS, heck, he even has more runs scored than Trout.

Meadows is the biggest standout of the bunch as he has been absolutely raking to start the year. He did miss some time so he only has 40 games played opposed to Trout’s 54 but he has still been phenomenal.

Meadows is hitting .354 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs and a 1.105 OPS. He has one fewer home run and one more RBI than Trout in 14 fewer games while hitting for average significantly better and having an OPS 70 points higher.

If we are being completely honest, these guys will probably fade out some and Springer’s injury will keep him out of the race. Even if it did come down to it, Trout would likely win out because of his consistency and reputation as baseball’s best.

However, if you were to look at just the numbers for the 2019 season thus far, which captures the pure essence of all-star voting, then you wouldn’t be absolutely crazy to leave Mike Trout off your ballot.