In the annals of baseball history, the debate over the greatest of all time is as enduring as the sport itself. Names like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and, more recently, Barry Bonds often surface in these discussions. However, one name that has consistently entered the talks over any baseball fan in the past decade is Mike Trout.
The Los Angeles Angels center fielder has been a beacon of excellence since his debut in 2011, drawing comparisons to the game’s all-time greats. Yet, as Trout’s career progresses, a new narrative has emerged: how his injuries might impact his GOAT candidacy.
Trout’s career trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal. With three MVP awards, nine Silver Slugger awards and 11 All-Star selections, his accomplishments are staggering. Through 1,518 career games, Trout has tallied up 1,648 hits, 378 home runs, 212 stolen bases and an OPS of .991.
However, the specter of injuries has increasingly haunted his career.
Since 2017, Trout has been sidelined multiple times with a variety of ailments including a torn thumb ligament, a right wrist inflammation, a foot injury and, most recently, a torn meniscus. The Angels announced Trout left his first rehab game since April with a sore knee earlier Tuesday night.
These injuries have cost him substantial playing time while raising concerns about their long-term impact on his performance and legacy.
Trout’s career averages remain exceptional, however, time is running out for him to improve his counting statistics. Missing significant portions of multiple seasons means Trout’s cumulative totals will likely fall short of those amassed by Ruth, Aaron and Bonds. For instance, Aaron’s 755 home runs and 3,771 hits were achieved over 23 seasons of relatively consistent play. In contrast, Trout has not played a full season’s worth of games in four years.
Beyond statistics, the GOAT debate often hinges on intangibles: the narrative arc of a player’s career, their impact on the game and their ability to deliver in crucial moments. Trout’s injuries create a complex narrative.
Prolonged absences from the field can diminish a player’s visibility and influence. Baseball’s GOATs are not just remembered for their numbers, but for their presence in the sport’s defining moments. Ruth’s called shot, Mays’ catch and Aaron’s record-breaking home run are etched in the collective memory. Trout’s injuries, as they have persisted, have denied him similar iconic moments.
Trout’s injuries undeniably cast a shadow on his pursuit of becoming the greatest baseball player of all time. His talent has always been there, and that has been prevalent since his major league debut 13 years ago; however, assessing rate statistics without factoring in counting statistics is not an objective way to measure one’s career success. Trout simply does not have the durability to go down as the major league GOAT.