Mike Trout Signs a One Year, $1M Deal With the Angels

[Jaypers]

Best mil they've ever spent.


Angels signed OF Mike Trout to a one-year, $1 million contract.
There was some controversy last offseason when the Angels renewed Trout's contract at just $20,000 over the league minimum, but the two sides reached an agreement this time around and continue to discuss a possible contract extension in the range of $150 million over six years. Now that it has been established that he's getting $1 million in 2014, the Angels could announce a contract extension and not have the AAV (average annual value) count against the luxury tax until 2015. Feb 26 - 12:02 PM

[WCTYSON]

Best mil they've ever spent.


Angels signed OF Mike Trout to a one-year, $1 million contract.
There was some controversy last offseason when the Angels renewed Trout's contract at just $20,000 over the league minimum, but the two sides reached an agreement this time around and continue to discuss a possible contract extension in the range of $150 million over six years. Now that it has been established that he's getting $1 million in 2014, the Angels could announce a contract extension and not have the AAV (average annual value) count against the luxury tax until 2015. Feb 26 - 12:02 PM

Great to see the best player in the game working with the organization that he came up with. His major deal will be advantageous for both parties. Hands down the face of MLB for the next decade.

[TarjetasBéisbol]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

[Bob Loblaw]

Best. Contract. Ever.

:)

[death2redemptions]

Great to see the best player in the game working with the organization that he came up with. His major deal will be advantageous for both parties. Hands down the face of MLB for the next decade.

Couldn't agree more. :)!

[IamRalpho]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

By getting a raise before hes arbitration eligible?

Angels are actually doing a good thing here, which should make Trout happier.

So technically, this is a step in the right direction for the Angels.

[Carrbeaz]

I bet he plays like a beast this year too..

[jumbogorilla]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

Yeap. He deserves more.

[Melagoo]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

... I will still like Trout even if he becomes a dreaded Yankee :D

[cmccart82003]

I truly believe he is the best all round player in the game...I will never understand why the MLB system does so little for players in their first 5 years or so. I know that guys like Trout got decent signing bonuses in some cases but it's beyond insanity that a guy who wins the rc of the year and finishes second in two MVP races in a row can still be paid as little as 1 million (or less) in his 3rd season. I understand HOW the systems works, I'm just saying it's crazy.

[pico04]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

I cant say Trout wont EVER be a Yankee but I am sure it wont occur within the next 10 Years, Trout will be paid and will eclipse Arod's contract while staying in SoCal.

Im glad the kid is getting paid....This is gonna be a great year for the Angels. :D

[IamRalpho]

Well if Kyrie Irving came into the NBA and won MVP, he wouldnt get a raise. Same with anyone in the draft this year for the NFL.

Trout actually got a raise, something the Angels didnt have to do. Well they had to increase it, but not to a million.

[base set]

can still be paid as little as 1 million (or less) in his 3rd season.

I would imagine the contract extension will include a lot more millions for this year. Looks like a temporary stopgap to get him under contract for Spring Training while negotiations continue, and baseball's salary rules are worked around to maximum advantage for both sides. ?

[85GoCards]

While I see both sides of the argument, I still believe this is being mishandled by the Angels.

From the club's point of view:
Trout signed a contract when he was drafted. If he performed poorly, would he allow the club to pay him less than the contract? No. Why should the club pay him more because he does well?

From Trout's point of view:
He's obviously the best player in the game, still VERY young, and is VERY popular. Other players around the league get bigger salary bumps out of respect from their clubs when they perform well. Why doesn't the Angels organization respect him enough to give him something closer to what he's actually worth?

Unless the long term extension is worked out VERY soon, this is going to continue to build animosity between Trout and the ownership. If the situation is not rectified quickly (as a result of a monster contract extension), Trout is going to draw a line and let them know, he doesn't care what they offer, he will leave as soon as he is a free agent.

His salary last year was a slap in the face and while this is better, it's still a blatant undervaluing of Trout. I would not be at all surprised if this, combined with last year's conflicts, frustrates Trout to the point of refusing to discuss an extension.

[IamRalpho]

While I see both sides of the argument, I still believe this is being mishandled by the Angels.

From the club's point of view:
Trout signed a contract when he was drafted. If he performed poorly, would he allow the club to pay him less than the contract? No. Why should the club pay him more because he does well?

From Trout's point of view:
He's obviously the best player in the game, still VERY young, and is VERY popular. Other players around the league get bigger salary bumps out of respect from their clubs when they perform well. Why doesn't the Angels organization respect him enough to give him something closer to what he's actually worth?

Unless the long term extension is worked out VERY soon, this is going to continue to build animosity between Trout and the ownership. If the situation is not rectified quickly (as a result of a monster contract extension), Trout is going to draw a line and let them know, he doesn't care what they offer, he will leave as soon as he is a free agent.

How is it mishandled?

Mike Trout just got the largest pre-arb raise EVER.

Mike Trout is still under control for another 4 years by teh Angels, if they dont work out a deal today....they have some time.

Angels just gave him the biggest pre arb raise ever, pretty sure thats a sign of good will.

[WCTYSON]

I would imagine the contract extension will include a lot more millions for this year. Looks like a temporary stopgap to get him under contract for Spring Training while negotiations continue, and baseball's salary rules are worked around to maximum advantage for both sides. ?

This is exactly what it is. The Angels give him a bump in pay in good faith that Trout works with them on the extension. I am sure they laid out the long term plan and showed him the books on the way the Angles will make the numbers work for him and the organization down the road.

[groundsupport]

Until the Angels finish 3rd in their division again this year.

[85GoCards]

How is it mishandled?

Mike Trout just got the largest pre-arb raise EVER.

Mike Trout is still under control for another 4 years by teh Angels, if they dont work out a deal today....they have some time.

Angels just gave him the biggest pre arb raise ever, pretty sure thats a sign of good will.

Do you honestly think Trout believes he is only worth $1 million a year (16th highest salary on the team)?

I know the chart below does not include the data from this newest contract, but can you realistically say that the Angels have done anything to build "good will" with Trout? Sure they gave him a $500k raise, but they also just signed David Freese to $5.05 million. C'mon man!

http://i.imgur.com/qglQ6S1.jpg

[GreatAlbert]

How is it mishandled?

Mike Trout just got the largest pre-arb raise EVER.

Mike Trout is still under control for another 4 years by teh Angels, if they dont work out a deal today....they have some time.

Angels just gave him the biggest pre arb raise ever, pretty sure thats a sign of good will.

Looks like someone understands MLB salaries. I agree. People who say they are underpaying Trout aren't digging deep enough.

[lisu]

Do you honestly think Trout believes he is only worth $1 million a year (16th highest salary on the team)?

I know the chart below does not include the data from this newest contract, but can you realistically say that the Angels have done anything to build "good will" with Trout? Sure they gave him a $500k raise, but they also just signed David Freese to $5.05 million. C'mon man!

http://i.imgur.com/qglQ6S1.jpg

That's the way the system works. They could have given him a 44% raise like Buster Posey got. I think it's a show of respect and good will to give him a raise to $1 million a year because they didn't have to do it.

[holyWahoos]

850 - edit: never mind, you're arguing something else.

[85GoCards]

That's the way the system works. They could have given him a 44% raise like Buster Posey got. I think it's a show of respect and good will to give him a raise to $1 million a year because they didn't have to do it.

I agree that they didn't have to bump him at all. I'm just saying it's not a show of respect to give a guy a $500k raise when he has performed well enough to be "worth" a $20-$25 million raise.

I also agree with others that if the Angels have any sense at all, they've already outlined the long term plan to Trout and will finalize a long term deal soon.

[85GoCards]

850 - read up on the CBA, rookie contracts, and arbitration. Your posts aren't making much sense.

I understand how the system allows the clubs to handle the contracts. I'm just saying that the Angels have almost gone out of their way to build animosity between themselves and Trout, by not giving him raises scaled to his performance. It just comes off as a cheap lack of respect and makes it appear the club does not care to reward players for exceptional performance.

I fully understand they are not required to give him any raises. I'm simply stating that if I had a franchise/face of the sport type player, I would have done much more to ensure I was making him happy.

I'm not sure you guys understand my points. I'm not saying the Angels have to pay Trout more. I'm saying they should want to pay Trout more to ensure they repair their relationship after last year's ridiculous salary move (as shown above).

[phabphour20]

Do you honestly think Trout believes he is only worth $1 million a year (16th highest salary on the team)?

[/IMG]

Do you think he's hurting for money or something? I'd be willing to bet you he is doing just fine... Nike and Subway (off the top of my head) are probably covering his mortgage.

[85GoCards]

Do you think he's hurting for money or something? I'd be willing to bet you he is doing just fine... Nike and Subway (off the top of my head) are probably covering his mortgage.

That's not the point. As I've explained multiple times, the team is shooting themselves in the foot by not being more generous. They gave the 2nd lowest raise to a ROY in the last 10 years to a player that had the best rookie season in the history of the game. Do you think that screams, "We really want you to be the face of our franchise and respect/value you"?

I don't think any professional athlete these days is hurting for money (unless they're absolute morons and can manage to blow through insane amounts of money like 60% of NFL players). I'm just saying the team should have gone out of their way to make a point to show Trout how much they value him...on PRINCIPAL...not as a REQUIREMENT.

It's just bad business to make your most valuable asset a disgruntled one.

[phabphour20]

That's not the point. As I've explained multiple times, the team is shooting themselves in the foot by not being more generous. They gave the 2nd lowest raise to a ROY in the last 10 years to a player that had the best rookie season in the history of the game. Do you think that screams, "We really want you to be the face of our franchise and respect/value you"?

I don't think any professional athlete these days is hurting for money (unless they're absolute morons and can manage to blow through insane amounts of money like 60% of NFL players). I'm just saying the team should have gone out of their way to make a point to show Trout how much they value him...on PRINCIPAL...not as a REQUIREMENT.

It's just bad business to make your most valuable asset a disgruntled one.

You just have no idea what they are ACTUALLY saying to him.

"Mike, take this raise for now. We'll give you $250 mm next week. Thanks pal."

[WCTYSON]

That's not the point. As I've explained multiple times, the team is shooting themselves in the foot by not being more generous. They gave the 2nd lowest raise to a ROY in the last 10 years to a player that had the best rookie season in the history of the game. Do you think that screams, "We really want you to be the face of our franchise and respect/value you"?

I don't think any professional athlete these days is hurting for money (unless they're absolute morons and can manage to blow through insane amounts of money like 60% of NFL players). I'm just saying the team should have gone out of their way to make a point to show Trout how much they value him...on PRINCIPAL...not as a REQUIREMENT.

I am not going to pretend that I know the numbers behind what the Angels and Trout are working on. I am more than sure his raise is just temporary until they get the books worked out and then Trout will get his end even from this season.

[85GoCards]

Per my very first comment in this thread:

"Unless the long term extension is worked out VERY soon..."

It seems a lot of people are missing that I've already noted this point.

[cmccart82003]

Well if Kyrie Irving came into the NBA and won MVP, he wouldnt get a raise. Same with anyone in the draft this year for the NFL.

Trout actually got a raise, something the Angels didnt have to do. Well they had to increase it, but not to a million.


No Kyrie wouldn't, but he would have a rookie contract worth in the neighborhood of 3-4 million per year if my memory serves me correctly. That is exactly what I mean. I wouldn't have a problem with it if they had the opportunity to be paid 2 or 3 times as much (still significantly less than what a guy like Trout is worth obviously) but every single player in baseball making more than one million dollars is worse than Trout if that makes sense..You can argue Cabrera and a few others for debate sake but if the general consensus is that he is the best player in the game, then there should be a way for him to get paid closer to that dollar amount. What if he goes out this year, dives for a ball and injures his back and requires surgery? How much are the Angels going to compensate him while they wait to see if he's the same? If you have proven you are a superstar you shouldn't have to wait years before being paid as one.

Mike Trout of Los Angeles Angels signs 1-year contract - ESPN Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/10520702/mike-trout-los-angeles-angels-signs-1-year-contract)

And according to this poll, pretty much everyone agrees he deserves to be the highest paid player in the game the next time he signs his name.

[Cubs_rock21]

That's not the point. As I've explained multiple times, the team is shooting themselves in the foot by not being more generous. They gave the 2nd lowest raise to a ROY in the last 10 years to a player that had the best rookie season in the history of the game. Do you think that screams, "We really want you to be the face of our franchise and respect/value you"?

I don't think any professional athlete these days is hurting for money (unless they're absolute morons and can manage to blow through insane amounts of money like 60% of NFL players). I'm just saying the team should have gone out of their way to make a point to show Trout how much they value him...on PRINCIPAL...not as a REQUIREMENT.

It's just bad business to make your most valuable asset a disgruntled one.

MLB is a business, if you know you are going to have to shell out 150 Million for a player than you are going to wait and build up more money to do so! Believe me I guarantee Trout is not disgruntled, and his agent is probably the happiest man on earth right now knowing Trout deserves to be the highest paid player in the game!

Trout will be just fine! He deserves 30 million a year easily! And don't worry he will get it

[lisu]

Don't worry - there'll come a time when Trout will be overpaid compared to his salary at the time.

That's just the way unions work - it's based on service time - not really based upon performance.

[cmccart82003]

That's not the point. As I've explained multiple times, the team is shooting themselves in the foot by not being more generous. They gave the 2nd lowest raise to a ROY in the last 10 years to a player that had the best rookie season in the history of the game. Do you think that screams, "We really want you to be the face of our franchise and respect/value you"?

I don't think any professional athlete these days is hurting for money (unless they're absolute morons and can manage to blow through insane amounts of money like 60% of NFL players). I'm just saying the team should have gone out of their way to make a point to show Trout how much they value him...on PRINCIPAL...not as a REQUIREMENT.

It's just bad business to make your most valuable asset a disgruntled one.


I agree with this 100%. Pujols is horribly overpaid these days and the Angels have a GInormous payroll already. However Trout has been one of the top 3 players in major league history through 2 seasons. It doesn't matter what is coming later unless it's already drawn up and awaiting a signature. As noted, he is the 16th highest paid player on his own team. If you are the Angels you have got to better than that at public displays of appreciation. If you can roll out the carpet for Pujols and Hamilton etc...neither of which are on Trouts level at this point, then you can do better than 1million. It's not about "they didn't have to"...it's about whether he stays or jumps down the road based on the loyalty he has been shown. .5 million isn't a whole lot raise for a player who will command a 300 million contract shortly.

[mattinglymint23]

Whatever Trout doesn't make now from Angels he will make up for with his post 35 of age in decline contract with the Yankees.

The angels aren't acting like Trout is the prodigy everyone knows he is. I think that's the problem that the numbers and reference to other players doesn't address or acknowledge.

[holyWahoos]

This isn't the last contract Trout will ever sign...

If it wasn't enough, he felt disrespected, or feels disgruntled, then he wouldn't have agreed to it... Trout knows he going to get paid real soon, he's relaxed and ready to play ball, anyone worried about his contract extension also needs to relax. Also, the OP explains the "business" behind a 1 year extension pretty well.

[Halonut]

This is just a way to circumvent the luxury tax threshold. Expect Trout to sign his extension after the start of the season and receive a rather healthy signing bonus.

[hche]

Angels screwed up last year with the minimal raise. They gave him a bigger raise this year to 1 mil. If you are in baseball, you understand the salary game. Players before becoming arbitration eligible do not and should not expect a big raise to like $10 mil a year. If Trout was not happy, he would not have signed the contract so soon. So I am under the impression that something will be done soon.

The rumor was he is going to get a big signing bonus this year when the extension is done. By the time the extension ends, he will be getting 30 to 30 mil that year. I really don't see anything the Angles did this offseason on Trout is wrong.

[jake312]

Great to see the best player in the game working with the organization that he came up with. His major deal will be advantageous for both parties. Hands down the face of MLB for the next decade.

I love that he is like this. And he is not greedyy or anything like that even though he is close to the best, if not the best player in baseball.

[SeanieTheMan]

Great to see the best player in the game working with the organization that he came up with. His major deal will be advantageous for both parties. Hands down the face of MLB for the next decade.

:rolleyes: Bryce Harper has something to say about that...

[babybull]

I truly believe he is the best all round player in the game...I will never understand why the MLB system does so little for players in their first 5 years or so. I know that guys like Trout got decent signing bonuses in some cases but it's beyond insanity that a guy who wins the rc of the year and finishes second in two MVP races in a row can still be paid as little as 1 million (or less) in his 3rd season. I understand HOW the systems works, I'm just saying it's crazy.

Well, why does Jamie Garcia get 27 million and may never pitch again? That's just as crazy. Cost protection (certainty) is good for baseball. Trout will get his, he just has to wait like everyone else. I do not get why the Angels gave him this money. If they think it buys them credibility with Trout when free agency rolls around, they better think again. Money talks, you know what walks.

[WCTYSON]

:rolleyes: Bryce Harper has something to say about that...

He has nothing to say yet, just hype. I hope he does give Trout a run for his money but when I watch him play he worries me. A very violent swing, with hip issues on the way.

[Madrid1028]

This isn't the last contract Trout will ever sign...

If it wasn't enough, he felt disrespected, or feels disgruntled, then he wouldn't have agreed to it... Trout knows he going to get paid real soon, he's relaxed and ready to play ball, anyone worried about his contract extension also needs to relax. Also, the OP explains the "business" behind a 1 year extension pretty well.

so he should have just got 500k again. that makes zero sense.

[halofan25]

Trout's contract for 1yr. $1mil will be his final salary for 2014. I can guarantee you that. If they do come to terms on the previously reported 6yr. $150mil extension, it will take place in the 2015 season. Therefore, the Angels would be buying out 3 arbitration years and 3 free agent years. It's incredibly important from the Angels' perspective that the contract extension doesn't take effect until the 2015 season.

[death2redemptions]

Trout's contract for 1yr. $1mil will be his final salary for 2014. I can guarantee you that. If they do come to terms on the previously reported 6yr. $150mil extension, it will take place in the 2015 season. Therefore, the Angels would be buying out 3 arbitration years and 3 free agent years. It's incredibly important from the Angels' perspective that the contract extension doesn't take effect until the 2015 season.

I have a feeling if Trout finishes in the top 3 MVP voting again this year he will be asking for a bigger contract than 6 years/$150 million.

[halofan25]

I have a feeling if Trout finishes in the top 3 MVP voting again this year he will be asking for a bigger contract than 6 years/$150 million.



I'm sure the agreement will be done this offseason, not next offseason, so that issue will not be a problem. They can sign it now and have it take effect in the 2015 season since they already have agreed to a contract for 2014.

[gmsieb]

One step closer to being a NY Yankee if you ask me.

The you aren't paying attention.

[gmsieb]

Yeap. He deserves more.

He will be signing an extension in the next month for 6-8 years.
He will get more and be really rich. this had to be done first, so it would not hurt against the cap this year. It means trout and the angels are working together. Not the other way around.

[enyouartist]

Trout's contract for 1yr. $1mil will be his final salary for 2014. I can guarantee you that. If they do come to terms on the previously reported 6yr. $150mil extension, it will take place in the 2015 season. Therefore, the Angels would be buying out 3 arbitration years and 3 free agent years. It's incredibly important from the Angels' perspective that the contract extension doesn't take effect until the 2015 season.

So if Trout gets hurt this year, then what?

[halofan25]

So if Trout gets hurt this year, then what?





He'll have already signed the contract. The extension if/when it does come to fruition will be done this offseason but take into effect in 2015.

[SeanieTheMan]

He has nothing to say yet, just hype. I hope he does give Trout a run for his money but when I watch him play he worries me. A very violent swing, with hip issues on the way.

Violent swing? Most analysts say Harper's swing is very similar to Babe Ruth's swing. Pretty sure his career was a success. :coffee:

[WCTYSON]

Violent swing? Most analysts say Harper's swing is very similar to Babe Ruth's swing. Pretty sure his career was a success. :coffee:

Violent unorthodox swing:

Bryce Harper's swing of beauty - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8rhRg-4Mw)

They do compare his swing to Ruth's but it is the Washington Post. :cool: I do not see it at all and their frames and stance are totally different. Watch Harper's legs twist at the hip, were as Ruth twisted at the hips. I see problems for Harper. Also never heard anyone say that Ruth's swing was anything other than smooth, where the only violence in it was the result to the baseball.

[SeanieTheMan]

Violent unorthodox swing:

Bryce Harper's swing of beauty - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8rhRg-4Mw)

They do compare his swing to Ruth's but it is the Washington Post. :cool: I do not see it at all and their frames and stance are totally different. Watch Harper's legs twist at the hip, were as Ruth twisted at the hips. I see problems for Harper. Also never heard anyone say that Ruth's swing was anything other than smooth, where the only violence in it was the result to the baseball.

If you see problems with Harper, feel free to send me all your cards of him since he will be a bust! :rolleyes::devil:

[WCTYSON]

If you see problems with Harper, feel free to send me all your cards of him since he will be a bust! :devil:

I actually sold off all of my Harper before last season and did quite well on it all. Nobody said anything about bust. :rolleyes: I think he will have a solid career but nothing like we are seeing from Trout. I also think he will have a shortened career because of leg and hip issues. He just does not seem to age well IMO. Feel free to continue your fanatical fanboy lust though. :)! You wear it well.

[death2redemptions]

:rolleyes: Bryce Harper has something to say about that...

If we are talking hype, sure, he may have something to say about it. But so far Harper hasn't even come close to what Trout has been doing. Sure, he had one of the best years ever for an 18 year old but has yet to put together a really solid season.

Mike Trout is a proven superstar in which some argue may be the best first two full seasons for any player in the history of baseball.

Bryce Harper has the potential to be a superstar.

We all know potential does not translate into success. For now he is just a career .272 hitter but I wish him the best (well not really unless he is traded)