Topping AL West, Could Mike Trout Carry a Lackluster Angels Team to the Playoffs?

The Los Angeles Angels might find themselves in a position they haven’t been in for a decade. Could it be that will make it to the playoffs? Currently, they are tied for first place in the AL West. Well, a large part of this resurgence can be attributed to the continued brilliance of their superstar outfielder, Mike Trout.  But one question remains unanswered – Can Trout single-handedly carry the weight of the Angels to their first playoff appearance since 2014? 

It is established that Trout’s talent is undeniable. He is a 3X American League MVP Award winner and a nine-time All-Star. Moreover, he is widely considered one of the best baseball players this generation has seen. In the season of 2024, he is off to a scorching start. But is he good enough? 

Let’s take a look at his numbers. He has batted a sizzling .333 with an OBP of .464 and a slugging percentage of .667 good for an OPS of a staggering 1.131 as per Statcast, as of 04/09/2024.  Additionally, he has already blasted 7 homers along with driving 22 runs. Now isn’t that a significant force catapulting the Angels’ offense to a great height? 

But Trout’s brilliance has more often than not been overshadowed by the Angels’ struggles.  Since their previous playoff run in 2014, when Trout hit his first career postseason home run, the team has regularly fallen short of expectations. Be it in terms of Injuries or in terms of having a consistent supporting cast, Trout has been left stranded alone in an island of mediocrity. 

Could Mike Trout’s 2024 Be the Turnaround Season For the Los Angeles Angels?

On the contrary, 2024 paints a hopeful picture. So much so that the Angels’ manager Ron Washington said, “It was definitely a complete team performance. You find out the character of the people you’re around when you get knocked down and then come back. That proves there is some character [in the] room.” 

This can be a turnaround season for the Angles, but staying healthy is important. Last year, Trout had fractures his left hamate in his wrist on July 3. As a consequence he only played in one game the rest of the way. However, in 2024, he has been vocal about being more aggressive on the bases. Could this be a sign that things are looking up for the club in Anaheim? 

Since Shohei Ohtani moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mike Trout has been the only pillar for the Angels that have been delivering sub-par performances since a long time. However, considering their growth this year, it’s perhaps possible that they make it to the playoffs. But one can only wait and watch. 

Read More : Amidst Angels’ Underwhelming Season Start, Is a Mike Trout Trade Inevitable? Los Angeles Team Heads Toward Disaster