Mike Trout Draws Unfortunate Hall of Fame Comparison After 2025 Struggles

It’s hard to argue with Schoenfield, even if the numbers slightly favor Griffey. The legendary center fielder averaged 99 games, 22 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an .874 OPS from 2001-07, his age 31-37 seasons. Trout, who turned 34 in August, has averaged 78 games, 20 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .894 OPS since the start of 2021.

Will Mike Trout Ever Play Like an MVP Again?

Perhaps the most significant difference between Griffey and Trout, at least now, is that Trout doesn’t play the field much anymore. Cincinnati moved Griffey from center field to right because the NL still hadn’t adopted the universal DH; Griffey almost exclusively DH’d upon rejoining the Seattle Mariners in 2009.

Conversely, Trout has only played 22 of his 126 games in the field, and we’re skeptical that will change over the Angels’ final four games. Trout last played right field on April 30, when he suffered a left knee bone bruise.

The Angels have not indicated if Trout will enter 2026 as a full-time DH or hinted about a potential move to first base. Trout has only played the outfield or DH’d since debuting in 2011.

Unfortunately for the Angels, there’s not much reason to be optimistic about Trout discovering the Fountain of Youth next season. Although he’s mashed 22 home runs and drawn 86 walks, his 175 strikeouts are the second-highest total of his career. Trout’s 32.2% strikeout rate is especially concerning, considering his age.

Griffey, perhaps through pure stubbornness, played until he was 40. We’d be shocked if Trout made it that long — and we certainly wouldn’t fault the Angels for hoping he retires before his contract expires following the 2030 season.