One of the best players in baseball, Mike Trout has quickly become the face of major league baseball. At just 25 years old, Trout has reinvigorated the interest of the younger demographic of sports fans through his exuberant love for the game and his dominant performances on the field. While Bryce Harper could arguably be considered on par with Trout in terms of his individual accolades, he lacks the universally beloved demeanor that has made Trout a fan favorite across the country. Given what Trout has already accomplished on and off the field, the essential question remains of how much is the superstar centerfielder actually worth?
Mike Trout’s Net Worth as of 2017: $82.4 Million
How did the wunderkind baseball star get there? And how has his dominance on the field garnered him this type of wealth? Let’s take a closer look.
2012-2015
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Center fielder Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Yoenis Cespedes of the Oakland Athletics in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 11, 2012 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
After spending the first month of the 2012 season with the Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels), Trout was called up on April 28 to play in the majors for the Angels. During his rookie year, Trout was sensational in nearly every way and even broke an American League rookie record as he crossed home plate in 14 consecutive games. His uncanny ability as a run scorer was due largely in part to his tenacity as a base runner as he tied the rookie record of stolen bases before the All-Star Break (26). Unsurprisingly, Trout was selected to participate in his first All-Star game and finished the season with sensational numbers in batting average (.326), home runs (30), RBI’s (83) and stolen bases (49).
Despite getting off to a slow start during the 2013 season (.261 batting average, two home runs in April), Trout quickly returned to form in May as he had a batting average of .327 to go along with eight home runs and 21 RBI’s. By mid-June, Trout had already scored his 200th career run, making him the fastest player to accomplish the feat since 1940. Although Trout finished second to Miguel Cabrera in the AL MVP voting for the second year in a row, his on base percentage and total walk numbers improved dramatically (67 walks in 2012 compared to 110 walks in 2013; OBP of .399 in 2012 compared to OBP of .432 in 2013).
After two MVP caliber seasons, the Angels were determined to retain Trout for the foreseeable future as they signed him to a 6-year, $144.5 million contract before the start of the 2014 season. By the end of the season, Trout more than earned his big pay day as he hit 36 home runs to go along with 111 RBI’s (both career highs). After missing out on the AL MVP award for the last two years, Trout was unanimously selected as the AL MVP his third year in the league, becoming the fifth youngest MVP ever.
Two weeks into the 2015 season, Trout became the youngest player in MLB history to reach 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases. Overall, Trout had one of his best seasons to date has hit a career high 41 home runs and posted a monstrous slugging percentage of .590. Despite finishing second in the MVP voting again, this time to Josh Donaldson, Trout still garnered his fourth silver slugger award in as many seasons, becoming only the second player in MLB history to win the award four straight times to start a career.
He reportedly earned $5.25 million in 2015.
2016-Present
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 18: Umpire Jeff Nelson #45 and Chris Heisey #14 of the Washington Nationals look on as Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a solo home run in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
In typical Trout fashion, the young perennial All-Star continued to dazzle critics and fans alike during the 2016 season. By June, Trout had accumulated more WAR (wins above replacement) in his age-24 season than any other player since 1913 with 45. His end of season statistics also proved to be just as legendary as he lead the majors in walks (116), runs scored (123) and in on base percentage (.441). Trout would go on to win his second AL MVP award, becoming the only player besides Barry Bonds to finish in the top two of the MVP voting in five straight seasons.
While Trout got off to a strong start in 2017 season, his must see daily performances were abruptly stopped when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb on May 28. However, since his return to the majors (July 14), Trout has had at least a hit in each game he as played in while slugging two home runs in back-to-back starts.
What baseball and sports fans have been privileged to witness over the last few years when it comes to Trout’s nearly unprecedented abilities as a consummate athlete is something that only comes once in a generation. In his brief career, Trout has already shattered numerous all-time records and has quickly become a beloved baseball icon thanks to his enthusiasm for a game that has been falling out of favor with younger sports fans. If Trout can continue to dazzle fans with his statistical output and exuberant personality, he could very well rejuvenate the interest in a sport that has lacked ubiquitous appeal for some time now.
He reportedly earned $19.25 million in 2017.
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