Next Generation: Mike Trout vs. Bryce Harper

Mike Trout was an elite prospect with undeniable All-Star potential, but Bryce Harper was tabbed as a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. Are they still viewed the same way? And which would you rather have?

Batting:

  

Power-- 

      Trout's stats: 139 Games, 30 HR, 409 ft average distance per HR
      Harper's stats: 139 Games, 22 HR, 413 ft average distance per HR

The Case for Trout
      
      Trout is the type of hitter that has power to all fields. His raw power potential doesn't compare to the power potential exhibited by Harper and the other elite power prospects in the game mentioned below. However with his size and strength I see him being an annual 30 HR guy throughout his career. 

The Case for Harper
   
     Harper's power rivals elite young talents such as Giancarlo Stanton, Jay Bruce and Mark Trumbo. I don't think there is another player in the game under the age of 25 who can rival Harper's power potential outside of Giancarlo Stanton. I see Harper being a 40-50 HR guy year-in-and-year-out.

   Edge: Harper

Hitting-- 

      Trout's stats: .326 Average, 27 doubles, 8 triples, .383 BABIP, 139 K, 67 BB
      Harper's stats: .270 Average, 26 doubles, 9 triples, .310 BABIP, 120 K, 56 BB

The Case for Trout

      Trout edged Harper in nearly every hitting metric in 2012. Trout has no known holes in his swing as evidenced by his success at the plate in 2012. Trout has tremendous bat speed and swings through the strike zone allowing him to make solid contact when he connects on a swing. Speed on the base paths is a major aspect of Trout's game that improves his hitting numbers, but that will be covered in more detail below.

The Case for Harper

      Harper is a special hitter and I believe his hitting numbers will improve in his second season. My case for Harper actually hinges on a slight statistical decline from Trout in 2013. If you take a closer look at the numbers, you realize that Trout will most likely regress from his BABIP of .383 in the upcoming season. In fact, according to David Schoenfield of ESPN "Of the 30 highest BABIPs in the past decade, only two players appear on the list more than once: Ichiro Suzuki, and Derek Jeter." 

   Edge: Push

Fielding:

Glove--

The Case for Trout

      Trout profiles as a gold glove fielder, and in my opinion deserved to win the gold glove in 2012, but he lost out to Adam Jones of the Orioles. His knack for making game saving plays in the outfield is remarkable. Just check out the picture for proof.

The Case for Harper

      Harper played center field for the Nationals last season and will be moving to left field this season. I see the move as both a good and a bad thing. In left field, he will be asked to cover less ground compared to in center field. However, he will be learning a new position and the angles may not come naturally to him at the beginning of the season. 

Edge: Trout

Arm--


The Case for Trout

       The only area that might be considered sub-par for Trout is his arm strength, however he makes up for it by tracking the ball off the bat, his positioning, and accuracy.     

The Case for Harper

      Harper has an absolute rocket launcher for an arm. I see Harper being a leader in assists at his position for the next decade thanks to his ability to bypass the cutoff man and throw out runners directly. His accuracy could use some improvement, but that comes with practice and seasoning.

Edge: Harper

Running:

The Case for Trout

     Trout finished 2012 with 49 stolen bases and was only caught stealing 5 times. To put it simply, he is a freak on the base paths. He can beat out an infield hit and steal bases at will, and in my opinion has the ability to steal 50+ bases on a yearly basis.

The Case for Harper

      Harper finished 2012 with 18 stolen bases and was caught stealing 6 times. He has slightly above average speed and is an aggressive base-runner. What he lacks in speed he makes up for in being an above average base-runner who is willing to take chances to get the extra base.

Edge: Trout

Intangibles:

The Case for Trout

      Trout has outstanding tools with great instincts. He is a true superstar with a drive to become the best there is. He plays with tremendous energy, enthusiasm and intelligence in the field and on the base paths.

The Case for Harper

      Harper has a little more edge to him than Trout and he seems to attract attention like no other. Perhaps it's the east coast media bias in effect or just his charismatic personality. He is a truly fierce competitor who thrives in the games big moments.

Edge: Push

Overall:

You couldn't go wrong with either choice. But give me Bryce Harper!