Los Angeles Angels two-way talent Shohei Ohtani and Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are currently putting the final touches on their respective 2021 American League MVP Award resumes. And for Mike Trout, he already has his own preference on who should win the award.

In speaking today ahead of the Angels’ home game against the Seattle Mariners, Trout lauded Guerrero’s standout campaign this year. But for the three-time AL MVP Award winner, he believes that the difference in this race between the two for this honor centers on Ohtani's prowess on the mound.

“He's the MVP,” Trout said. “He's just a truly amazing talent. What Vladdy is doing over there is unbelievable and he's in the race. His [offensive] numbers might be a little bit better than Ohtani but then you look at Vladdy's pitching. And I haven't seen him pitch.”

Guerrero has had one prominent season for the Blue Jays. While his bid for the AL Triple Crown may come up short in the end, he does currently rank first in the American League in batting average (.319), wOBA (.425) and batting fWAR (6.8).

However, as Trout touched on, Ohtani’s headline-making performances as a pitcher have garnered much acclaim. For one, he has boasted a 3.28 ERA to go along with 146 strikeouts over 123.1 innings pitched this season.

As it stands, Ohtani is presumed by many as the top favorite to claim the AL MVP Award later this year for what would be the first such win of his career. Still, Guerrero does have a week left in the regular season to bolster his resume for this coveted honor. For one, he will take part in the Blue Jays' upcoming three-game series against the New York Yankees, where he sure will be called upon to deliver in critical plate appearances.