According to reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and centerfielder Mike Trout have agreed to a six-year $144.5 million dollar contract extension. Making him the latest player in the organization to receive a deal that pays at least $18 million.
Before signing the extension, Trout was given a one-year $1 million contract for 2014 earlier in the spring.
Trout, 22, the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year and two-time runner-up for MVP to Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers, this deal will lock the New Jersey native to southern California until the 2020 season. In the deal, Trout gets an option for a seventh year and annually he’ll get paid $24 millions per season. Per Hardballtalk.com, the deal will cover all three years of arbitration and free agency with the deal to include a option for a seventh-year, worth average annual value of $24 million.
In two full seasons, he’s hit .324, with 372 hits, 238 runs scored, 66 doubles, 17 triples, 57 home runs, 180 RBI, 82 stolen bases and a OBP of .416. Trout has also led MLB in WAR twice, has come second and in third for the batting title and has led the American League in runs scored twice. Defensively, he is among the best defensive center fielders in baseball and will win multiple gold gloves.
Manager Mike Scioscia said “I think everybody is obviously thrilled that it got done. He’s a special player and a special person.” The outfielder along with Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and teammate Albert Pujols to hit at least .320, with 50 home runs and 200 runs scored in their first two full seasons.
Only question now is, will Trout get to see the postseason soon?
This and Jered Weaver’s contract are the two only smart decisions the Angels have made.