Fantasy baseball players should be well-acquainted with that talent that is Mike Trout. The Angels superstar has dealt with injuries over the past few years, but has been among the game’s top talents when on the field. After a strong, but abbreviated 2022 campaign, expect that to continue for Trout.
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A Look at Trout
Angels outfielder Mike Trout has dealt with injuries in each of the past two seasons. In 2021, the ten-time All-Star missed most of that season due to a nagging right calf strain. Trout then missed time this past season due to a “rare” back condition. While Trout’s back condition may affect the star outfielder for the remainder of this career, the Angel did state the issue is manageable.
From a numbers standpoint, Trout delivered for fantasy owners once again last season. In just 119 games, Trout cracked 40 home runs, alongside a .283 batting average, 80 RBIs, and 85 runs scored. Trout’s 2022 campaign was impressive, especially given the number of home runs the three-time AL MVP amassed in a condensed period of time. The star outfielder also ranked among the league’s best in batted ball metrics, and recorded an above-average BB% (10.8%).
Only 15 other players beside Trout last season hit at least 30 home runs and score 80 runs. However, very few from that group can provide the kind of power, run production, and high batting averages that Trout can on a yearly basis. That reliability factor puts the 31-year-old in a league in his own.
2023 Fantasy Outlook
It’s been eleven seasons since Trout took the league by storm. While the Angels superstar may no longer be the all-purpose offensive threat that he was early in his career, Trout is still an exceptional hitter. Plus, an improved Angels lineup for 2023 could deliver more RBI opportunities for the elite hitter.
Provided that Trout stays healthy in 2023, the New Jersey native should still be a top-10 fantasy talent alongside fellow Angel Shohei Ohtani. Expect Trout to be a first-round pick in drafts this season.
