Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
8/7/1991
Height: 6’1″ Weight: 200
The Angels drafted Trout number 25 overall in the first round of the 2009 Amateur Draft. Since Trout was coming out of the Northeast, there was less time for area scouts to see him… in some opinions. But the bottom line is that Trout made more than his fair share of the rounds in the Showcase Circuit including stops in Jupiter for the WWBC. So the scouts throughout the league knew that he was a first round talent based on his speed and hit tool.
Mike Trout, OF Angels
What they didn’t know was how quickly he would rise through the ranks and how easily his compact stroke would translate to real production at the plate.
After signing for $1.2mm, a number that is now an obvious steal for the Angels, Trout tore up the AZL to the tune of .360 in 164 AB. In 2010, he made a big, loud, blaring announcement that he was one of the top players in the game. He took the MWL for .362 AVG with 45 SB in just 312 AB. The surprise… a .163 IsoP. He wasn’t supposed to have a swing conducive to power. At least not yet. But there were signs that it was there.
He was then pushed to High-A as an 18 year old. He wasn’t phased. .306, more power, more SB. He was one of, if not the, top prospect in the game. He checked into 2011 as our #3 overall prospect on our Top Prospects List.
The expectations where high for 2011. He’s delivered. Let’s take a look at the Bat and the Glove and get into 2011 there.
The Bat
Trout is a complete hitter. While he’ll never win a home run title, his weakest hit tool, which is his power is still average. His contact ability and eye are both elite. Right now. In 2011, .326/.414/.544 was powered by 18 doubles, 13 triples and 11 HR. With 45 walks to 76 strikeouts in 353 AB.
His speed? Another 33 SB in Double-A this year. It’s an elite skill.
The Glove
Trout is going to be a well above average CF. Which puts the Angels in a nice situation for 2012. Bourjos or Trout in CF. They’ll both range without question. One will slide to LF making it one of the best outfields in all of baseball.
Trout’s one tool that can be questioned is his arm. But it’s not something that is going to become problematic for him. It’s fringe average and more than enough for him to man either CF or LF. For a long time.
Our Instinct
Mike Trout is already seeing major league at bats. He’s still only 20 years old. So there is a slight chance that the Angels, currently stuck in a logjam for the 2012 Outfield, could give him a little time in Triple-A. But I don’t think it’s needed and I think he gives them the best solution for one of the outfield spots.
Trout is going to fit into the top of the order for some time during the beginning of his career. He has the speed, contact ability and patience to lead off. He could also slot into the 2nd spot. Eventually, his elite speed will begin to wane and when that happens he’ll need to go from leadoff to leader.
Ultimately, I think that Trout will be a 3 hitter. He has elite contact ability and his blend of speed and average power will give him the all around approach needed for an elite hitter. In his prime he’s a .300+ hitter with 20+ HR power and 40+ SB speed. If he’s not a Perennial All Star it will be a disappointment. Those are high expectations. And for the Angels… quite a catch!!! Sorry… I couldn’t stop myself.
Check back soon as we profile many more Top MLB Prospects and also get our baseball geek on and take a look at some of the later draft picks from the 2011 draft that we think could be big names on the prospect radars in the near future. While you’re here, take a look at our on going series Prospect Instinct | Bryce Harper and be a step ahead of the game. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email us now at mailbag@baseballinstinct.com.
