I'm actually shocked Trout won it. I'd have thought Mookie would take it home easily with Altuve a distant second. Way off.
I'd like to say that Altuve got robbed, but Betts is the one that really deserved it. Betts' season > Altuve's >>>> Trout
Yup, this was given as a multiyear award. Losing seasons require much better stats for MVP. Trout was roughly equal to his peers.
His OPS was almost 100 points higher, playing in a pitchers park, in a terrible lineup that provided no protection. While Betts played in major hitters park, in an awesome lineup. He wasn't even the Red Sox best hitter. It would be like giving the award to Barkley or Malone because they didn't want to give it to Jordan. Trout is clearly the best player in baseball, and the numbers bore that out again this year. He is single handedly keeping that crap team competitive. Love Altuve, but this top 3 was completely the deserving order.
Yep, had Altuve had a September comparable to April - August, then he would have had a more legitimate shot at MVP and an argument if he didn't win. His swoon as well as the Astros' swoon, cost him.
I'm glad Trout got it. Honest truth is this is better for baseball. Altuve is not marketable. Nor is Betts. Overall everyone benefits with Bryant and Trout getting nods.
