Mike Trout was counted out of the American League Most Valuable Player race after he tore a ligament in his thumb. Missing six weeks does not make things impossible, but it sure made things much more difficult for Trout.
As the season progressed, the Millville Meteor showed what makes him the best in the world. He was leading an average (at best) lineup to the Wild Card. A team decimated by a plethora of injuries to their pitching staff, most notably their starting rotation.
People around the MLB were opening up to the idea that Mike Trout deserves first place votes.