Trevor Bauer Having a Louder Voice Than Mike Trout is Part of What's Wrong With MLB

Let's start by saying we are not part of the group that believes the MLB is "in trouble" or desperate for saving.

However, what sees the league falling well behind the likes of the NFL and NBA in terms of marketing its product is the fact that its stars don't have blunt personalities. The most flagrant of examples lies in the fact that Reds' right-hander Trevor Bauer has a much louder voice than Angels superstar outfielder Mike Trout. That alone tells you something.

The shame in it all? Bauer, a one-time All-Star, is almost more of a household name than Trout, a three-time AL MVP and future first ballot Hall of Famer. The world isn't surprised when the former goes viral on social media, whereas the world is left utterly astonished when the latter speaks out against the Astros' sign-stealing scandal, one of the biggest black eyes in league history.

That's nothing against Trout. He is who he is, and there's nothing wrong with that. The fact that he plays for the Angels, who haven't featured in October since being swept in the ALDS back in 2014, doesn't help matters, but that's besides the point. He'd still be the same reserved player if he was playing for the New York Yankees.

When you think of the MLB's most prominent superstars -- Trout, Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Cody Bellinger, and Christian Yelich -- none of them are outspoken, even though they are all phenomenal talents.

Again, there's nothing wrong with their personalities, but it's undoubtedly an obstacle that the league has yet to overcome, and it's not likely to change anytime soon.