Angels’ star Mike Trout more deserving of being highest paid athlete than Patrick Mahomes

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 25: American League MVP Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels poses for a photo at the 97th annual New York Baseball Writers’ Dinner on January 25, 2020 Sheraton New York in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Patrick Mahomes II vs Mike Trout: Track Record

Okay, it may not be entirely fair to compare the two based on track record, but when you are discussing who has done more to earn their big payday, it has to be taken into consideration.

Mahomes has been lightning in a bottle for the Chiefs since they selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. While he played in just one game as a rookie, Andy Reid saw enough in his arm to ship off Alex Smith and name Mahomes the starter heading into the 2018 season.

What a decision that turned out to be. Mahomes won the NFL MVP in his first full season behind center, leading the Chiefs to a 12-4 record while throwing for 5097 yards and 50 touchdowns. He led the league in touchdowns, TD% (8.6), Average Yards/Attempt (9.6), QBR (80.4), total offense (5,198 yards), and approximate value (22).

Mahomes came back strong in 2019 but dealt with some injury issues that cost him two games on the season. He still threw for 4031 yards (10th), 26 touchdowns (9th), registered a 76.3 QBR (2nd), and had an approximate value of 17 (7th). Most importantly, the Chiefs won their first Super Bowl since 1970, with Mahomes taking home MVP honors.

That’s a pretty solid start to a career, but it is, of course, a start. At just 24-years-old, Mahomes is just an infant when it comes to career accomplishments. On the other hand, we have Mike Trout.

Trout has been in the MLB eight and a half seasons and has been a tour de force for the Angels since his debut. The 28-year-old owns a lifetime batting line of .305/.419/.581 with 285 home runs, 903 runs scored, and 752 RBI. He has led the league in fWAR (Wins Above Replacement) in 7 of his nine full seasons in the league.

In terms of individual awards, Mike Trout has captured three American League Most Valuable Player awards, finished second on three other occasions, and won the Rookie of the Year award in 2012.

Track Record Winner: Mike Trout

It’s hard to argue against Trout when it comes to the overall track record. With Mahomes only having the two full seasons under his belt, he has some catching up to do in that department, even if we’re talking two different sports.

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