5 tool players in the MLB don’t come along too often so when they do, we should appreciate them. If you are unfamiliar with these types of players, let me explain. A 5 tool player basically means that the player that excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, baserunning and speed, throwing ability, and fielding abilities, which are the five main skills in baseball.
1. Andrew McCutchen
(source: foxsports.com)
“Cutch” as he is known around the league is without a doubt not only one of the only 5 tool players in the league, but one of the best players period. After being drafted in 2005, McCutchen finally made his debut in 2009 and very quickly proved he was an elite player. He has made 5 straight all-star teams, won a gold glove in 2012, 4 straight silver slugger awards and was the 2013 NL MVP. And at only 29 years old, definitely has some more gas in the tank to continue his dominance.
2. Lorenzo Cain
(source: foxsports.com)
While this guy may not be known very much amongst casual sports fans, he is truly something else. After not starting to play baseball until high school (which is rare) Cain now finds himself as one of the best players in the MLB. After making his debut in 2010 and the being traded, Cain has finally found his spot as a member of the Kansas City Royals. Last year, Cain was top 10 in steals, top 10 in batting average, but is perhaps best known for his stunning defense and winning various awards for said defense. He truly came out of nowhere to quickly become a fantastic 5 tool player in this league and will look to prove this year that last year wasn’t a fluke.
3. Mike Trout
(source: monkeywithahalo.com)
Now with Mike Trout, we may be looking at one of the best young players in league history and the guy can do it all. He is probably the best example of a 5 tool player in the league and is still only 24 years old. The guy won rookie of the year in 2012, finished 2nd in MVP voting in 2012, 2013 and 2015, while winning the award in 2014. The media and various statistic metrics both praise his play and if he can continue playing at this level for the rest of his career, may go down as one of the single best and most versatile players in the history of the league.
