MLB
Mike Trout Signs Extension With Angels
As if MLB free agency and the nearing of the start of the 2019 season could not get any wilder. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim center fielder Mike Trout signed an extension worth 12-years, $430-M dollars. As if the Bryce Harper contract wasn’t a big deal.
Mike Trout’s Current Deal
In 2015, at the age of 23-years-old, Mike Trout and the Angels agreed on a 6-year deal worth $144.5 M dollars. Trout is currently age 27 and theoretically has two more years to go (2019 and 2020).
Mike Trout’s Career Thus Far
Majority of baseball fans would say that Trout is worth this deal. Besides his first season in 2011 at age 19, Trout has led the league in one or multiple categories year in and year out which is impressive. In fact, the past three seasons (2016-18) Trout has led the league in OBP (on-base percentage) .441/.442/.460 each year. What is even more impressive is that Trout has led the league in OPS+ (on-base plus slugging) for five years 2012 (Including four straight season straight years 2015-18) 168, 176, 172, 186 and 199 (Trout led the majors in the latter three seasons while leading the American League the first two). On four occasions including three back-to-back seasons (2012-14, 2016) led the league in runs scored 129, 109, 115 and 123.
In 2014, Trout led MLB with 11 RBIs (runs batted in). Walks have been a forte for Trout in his career with how dangerous he can be at the plate. In fact, in three different seasons, Trout has led the league twice in walks and the entire majors once. in 2013 and 2018 Trout has 110 and 122 which led the American League and in 2016 had 116 to lead the majors. However, in Trout’s phenomenal career thus far, he hasn’t led the American League or Majors in three important categories: home runs, batting average, and hits. Trout did, however, lead the American League in strikeouts in 2014 with 184 punch-outs.
Contract Extension Worth It?
Some people find the extension to be out of line. Others say Trout is worth it. The Angels signing Trout long-term means the team can build around him. The Angels have made the postseason once with Trout and it was the 2014 season. Now since Trout is locked in until practically til the end of his career, hopefully, the Angels can make a solid nucleus around him.
Conclusion
Mike Trout signs extension. The Angels locked in their superstar outfielder for the next 12 years at the largest contract in North American sports history with a $430-M dollar extension. Depending on the future success of the Angels, will dictate whether or not this deal will actually pay off for the long hall.
Photo Credit to Beth Tenser via Flickr
