The Impact of Albert Pujols on Mike Trout: An Analysis of Their Time in the Angels Lineup
Since Albert Pujols joined the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff in 2012, a year before Mike Trout's debut, the question of whether Pujols 'made' Trout has been a topic of discussion. This article delves into this debate, examining their performances, roles in the lineup, and the impact on the Los Angeles Angels' overall success.
Early Records and Performances
Mike Trout’s rookie year in 2011 marked the beginning of a long and prosperous career. However, 2012, the year Albert Pujols arrived in LA, was the beginning of a different journey. In Pujols' first and only All-Star appearance since 2012, he was also a participant for the MVP award in 2012 and 2014. Beyond these notable achievements, Pujols has struggled to find success in Los Angeles, as evidenced by his lack of awards and honors, including Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers.
From 2012 to 2019, Pujols hit with an average of 0.258, with 211 home runs and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 0.764. These statistics are significantly lower compared to his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he averaged 0.328, maintain an OPS of 1.037, and hit 40 home runs per season.
Impact on Mike Trout
While Trout had the advantage of hitting exclusively as the leadoff hitter in his first full season, a dynamic changed as Pujols moved the batting order. Since then, Trout has moved down to hit 2nd or 3rd, often following Pujols. Despite this arrangement, Trout has had to face a multitude of challenges due to his tendency to strike out (often leading the league in that category), as well as a high number of walks.
One of the most striking aspects of Trout's performance is the strategic use of the first baseman. When Trout is on base, Pujols' batting average often rises significantly. For example, in 2016, Trout had 107 singles and 116 walks, which allowed Pujols to come to the plate approximately 223 times in 650 plate appearances with Trout on first base, plus an additional 37 times with Trout on second or third. This strategic utilization of Trout's on-base presence benefits Pujols' RBI statistics.
Team Performance and the Question of Success
However, the combined efforts of Pujols and Trout have not translated into significant team success. Since 2012, the Los Angeles Angels have only one playoff appearance, and even then, their journey to the playoffs saw them just 3 to 5 games out of first. In 2017, the Angels finished only 2nd, yet were 21 games out of first. Their failure to advance reflects the inherent issue of tying up too much salary in their top players, especially considering Pujols' underperformance.
Despite the impact of Pujols and Trout on the lineups, the Angels' overall performance remains lackluster, indicating that, while both players are significant contributors, their individual and combined efforts have thus far failed to elevate the team to a level of success.
Ultimately, the question of whether Albert Pujols 'made' Mike Trout remains open for debate. While his presence may have subtly improved Pujols' performance, both players' underperformance has largely impacted the team's ability to compete at a high level.