It’s difficult to deny that Mike Trout is one of the best players, if not the best player of his generation. The long-time Los Angeles Angels superstar has established himself as a true MVP candidate every year he suits up for the team.
A true five-tool player, Mike Trout has earned respect from opponents and fans all over the MLB. Even though the three-time MVP has been one of the best players of his generation, playoff success has eluded him. The lack of enough postseason appearances, although not fully his fault, is the one major blemish on his otherwise pristine career.
The fact that the Los Angeles Angels have only played in three playoff games since Trout has been with them has led some to question the outfielder’s legacy. It seems like a guarantee at this point that Trout will find himself in the National Baseball Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.
Nevertheless, former All-Star Albert Belle has his doubts about whether or not Trout should be elected into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Belle, who’s not in the Hall of Fame himself, debates Trout’s worthiness, as the two have comparable career stats.
“When I watch MLB Network they’re saying that Mike Trout is a first ballot Hall of Famer. And he just finished his 13th year. I played 12 years and my stats are better than his.”
Albert Belle says the Hall of Fame is a popularity contest pic.twitter.com/gae1tK8qLz
— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) February 1, 2024
“I played 12 years and my stats are better than his,” the former Cleveland Indians star said on a recent episode of Baseball Today with Chris Rose.
Belle explained that while Trout just finished his 13th season in the MLB, his own stats are better than the Los Angeles Angels captain.
A closer look at the career statistics of Albert Belle and Mike Trout
Although there can be some frustration from Albert Belle’s perspective, given the fact that he was not elected into the Hall of Fame, it’s worth exploring his claims. During Belle’s MLB career, he spent time with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles.
Belle posted a career .295 batting average with 381 home runs, 1,239 RBIs and 88 stolen bases. He also earned five All-Star selections and five Silver Slugger awards in the MLB.
His best season came in 1995 when Belle posted a career-best 50home runs and 126 RBIs with a .317 batting average but finished second in MVP voting, behind Boston Red Sox slugger Mo Vaughn.
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In comparison to Belle, Mike Trout has played in 13 MLB seasons, posting a career .301 batting average with 368 home runs, 940 RBIs and 206 stolen bases. He has earned numerous accolades, including three AL MVP awards, 11 All-Star selections and nine Silver Slugger awards.
