Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes and has been for centuries. Every season, millions of fans flock to stadiums to take in the action and cheer on their favorite teams. But, it’s the individual players who truly make the game so entertaining and one of the most popular sports in the world. Every year, MLB teams are filled with superstars, from Rookie of the Year to MVP candidates. But, who is currently the best MLB player?
The Case for Mike Trout
There is no better candidate for the title of the best MLB player than center fielder Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels. Trout has been one of the best players in baseball for the past several years and is widely recognized as one of the best players of all time. He’s won two MVP awards and has been an All-Star in each of the past seven seasons. Trout is a five-time Silver Slugger award winner, a three-time Gold Glove award winner, and a two-time Hank Aaron award winner.
Trout’s impressive stats make him an easy choice for the best MLB player. He leads all active players in OPS+ (193), wRC+ (184), WAR (66.3), and wOBA (.422). He’s also one of the most consistent hitters in the game, as he’s hit .300 or better in each of the past seven seasons. He’s also one of the most durable players in the game, as he’s played in at least 140 games in the past seven seasons.
A Case for Mookie Betts
Though Mike Trout is the obvious choice for the best MLB player, there is an argument to be made for Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. Betts is the reigning American League MVP, a four-time All-Star, and a three-time Gold Glove award winner. He also won the Silver Slugger award in 2018 and 2019 and the batting title in 2018.
Betts’ impressive stats make him a viable candidate for the best MLB player. He’s second among all active players in WAR (57.4), wRC+ (166), and wOBA (.388). He’s also one of the most consistent hitters in the game, as he’s hit .300 or better in each of the past five seasons. He’s also been incredibly durable, as he’s played in at least 140 games in four of the past five seasons.
The Verdict
With both Mike Trout and Mookie Betts putting up impressive stats and winning awards, it’s difficult to come to a definitive conclusion on who is the best MLB player. But, when it comes down to it, Trout is the clear choice for the best MLB player. He’s been consistently putting up impressive stats for the past seven seasons and has won more awards than any other player in the game. He’s also been one of the most durable players in the game, as he’s played in at least 140 games in the past seven seasons. Trout is the clear choice for the best MLB player.