Witness Trout's electrifying return, on pace for a rare 30/30 season. Walks, power, and speed reignite his MVP-caliber play. Is it too early to be sure?
It very well may be the year of the Trout resurgence in Anaheim, and Los Angeles Angels fans are more than happy to have their superstar fill headlines as the 2026 campaign has begun. Superstar outfielder Mike Trout is not only looking like he’s back to being the best Angels’ player, but at the top of the baseball world as a whole once again.
Now, it’s important to remember the small sample size we’re dealing with so far. After a three-game series in Houston and finishing a four-game series in Chicago on Wednesday, there are just a handful of games to base opinions of Trout on.
The sample size is going out the window for now. For the first time in a while, Angels fans have something special to be excited about – the resurgence of their franchise icon. It’s not just Halos fans getting excited, either, as all of baseball has taken notice of Trout’s scorching start in 2026.
In a recent article from Bleacher Report, giving knee-jerk reactions for the first week of baseball, Trout’s hot start was certain to force a place into the conversation. According to writer Kerry Miller, Trout is “well on his way” to a 30/30 campaign this season. After seeing his start, it’s hard to say it’s impossible.
Trout has been an on-base machine to start the year, already leading baseball with nine walks in six games heading into Wednesday’s contest. The 34-year-old is also at the top of the American League stolen bases leaderboard with two already after swiping just two bags in 130 games last year. Trout’s approach is clearly different in 2026.
To go along with his elite plate discipline, Trout has recorded six hits and three RBIs. Starting the year with back-to-back games with a home run, the three-time MVP put everybody on notice from the jump. His slash line so far reads .300/.517/.600 with a 1.117 OPS.
He’s currently on pace for well over 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, but he’s only completed the feat once in his decorated career, and that was way back in his rookie 2012 campaign. It would be a tremendous feat to join the 30/30 club again after 15 seasons, but if anybody were to do it, why not the greatest player of this generation?
Trout’s ability can no longer be called into question – he’s undoubtedly still got that MVP talent in him. The real question is his durability as the season drags along, considering his issues in the past. If he can stay on the field and at the plate for 130 games or so like he did last year, we may see one of the greatest comeback seasons of all time.