Mike Trout favored to lead American League in home runs

Mike Trout is the favorite in the American League to win the Most Valuable Player award. So, it’s finning he’s the favorite for another bet.

According to BetOnline.ag, Trout is the favorite to hit the most home runs in the American League in 2021. His odds are 9-to-1. Those odds are the second best overall, as Pete Alonso of the Mets is the overall favorite at 8-to-1.

Usually it takes at least 40 home runs to win that title, usually maybe the mid-to-high 40’s. Mike Trout has reached 40 twice in his career, with his most being 45 back in 2019 when he missed nearly 30 games. Had he played a full season, he very likely would have hit at least 50.

Among the players listed with at least 50-to-1 odds, Trout was the only Angels player who cracked the list. I think Trout is the only player on the Angels with a chance of winning, but I was shocked to not see guys like Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani on the list.

Angels links

• The Angels scored 17 runs yesterday and Ohtani hit another home run
• Alex Claudio is expected to be ready by Opening Day
• Award candidates for Angels players in 2021