What’s there to say about Mike Trout that hasn’t already been said? Clearly, the 21-year-old is from a different planet. While he’s obviously blessed with 80-grade speed, plus hit tool and unexpected power—at this point, that may even be a plus tool, as well—Trout’s ability to make adjustments in all facets of the game is absolutely astounding.
During my junior year of college, one of my teammates came out of the gate hitting nearly .600 over the first three weeks of the season. Every game was a multi-hit effort with a few stolen bases and dazzling defense. It became a habit of mine that after he did something remarkable, I’d ask, “How does it feel to be beating baseball?”
Mike Trout is beating baseball.
Poised to win the American League Rookie of the Year award, AL batting title and likely the MVP award, Trout is having a historical season. And let’s not forget that he missed the first month of the season.
I know, it’s scary.
As we look at the minor leagues—more specifically, the next wave of top prospects that should debut over the next year—it’s fun to speculate whether there may be another player capable of making a Trout-like impact. Although it’s admittedly pretty doubtful, here are my early thoughts on some future superstars.