The Warning Track: Donaldson and Trout Battle for MVP
Posted Aug 21, 2015 12:29:12 PM.
Last Updated Aug 21, 2015 12:39:38 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Donaldson or Trout – Trout or Donaldson. Who you got?
As we pass the three-quarter mark of the 2015 season, it appears as though the American League MVP battle could go down to the wire. And the top two candidates (Josh Donaldson and Mike Trout) just so happen to be facing each other in action this weekend.
For most of the season, it’s been a one-horse MVP race as Mike Trout has pretty much dominated the AL MVP discussion since day one of the season. But in recent weeks, Josh Donaldson has not only emerged as a dark horse MVP candidate, he’s pretty much caught up with Mike Trout and it’s now a dead heat.
We can argue the merits of what exactly an MVP should be, but it usually comes down to two main criteria: one, statistics … and two, team performance.
For many, it simply boils down to the player’s performance; how well they hit, field and run the bases. There are no other external criteria which factors in. But for others, they also consider how well (or poorly) their team does as a whole.
In the case of Josh Donaldson and Mike Trout, they’re virtually deadlocked right now. Both are having equally impressive seasons, and both player’s respective teams currently occupy a playoff spot.
A lot could certainly change between now and the first week of October, but if things continue on the same plane, I definitely don’t envy the writers who are tasked with filling out an American League MVP ballot.
But if the season were to end today, there would be no clear-cut winner between Mike Trout and Josh Donaldson. Both play excellent defense, both are tremendous hitters and both guys are astute baserunners.
Ask most baseball players and they would surely trade an MVP award or any individual accolades for a playoff appearance. An MVP award is a great addition to a trophy case, but the white whale that the Toronto Blue Jays are after is that elusive drive for the playoffs.
The funny thing is Josh Donaldson is having an MVP-calibre season, but Mike Trout is simply having a Mike Trout season (which just so happens to be worthy of another MVP award).
The past three seasons, Mike Trout has collected one MVP award, but he very easily could have won the past three. Trout finished second in MVP voting in 2012 and 2013 to Miguel Cabrera, and in many ways, Mike Trout was the superior player.
Again, Mike Trout is simply on pace to have one of his prototypical monster seasons.
However, the narrative surrounding Josh Donaldson’s MVP case is a little sexier. He’s come over to a brand new team, he’s flourishing at the Rogers Centre, Donaldson has emerged as a clear leader of this club and the Blue Jays are hoping to end their 22-year playoff drought.
Josh Donaldson just might be the man who will lead them to the promised land. And if Donaldson gets them there, he could be rewarded handsomely for his contributions.
