Outfielder Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed upon a record-setting deal on Wednesday. They agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract. Although this is not the record-setting deal you may have been thinking about, Trout's $1 million salary will make him the highest paid pre-arbitration player ever. Trout will be arbitration eligible in 2015. The previous record for a pre-arbitration contract was a tie between Ryan Howard (2007) and Albert Pujols (2003) with $900,000. Trout's deal could build a bridge into discussions for a long-term deal, as reports said a few days ago that was the case.
The 22-year-old Trout has already established himself as one of the best players in the Major Leagues, if not the best player. In his 2.070 years of service time, Trout has gone to two All Star games, won two Silver Sluggers, and has been voted American League Rookie of the Year. He's finished second in the MVP voting both seasons. In 2013, Trout hit a triple-slash line of .323/.432/.557 with 27 home runs and 97 RBI in 157 games (179 OPS+). He also stole 33 bases in 40 attempts. Trout added 9.2 total WAR to the Angels. Trout's only "liability" is his defense, where he's only added 1.4 wins to the Angels in his time there (career).
Mike Trout will continue to be one of the best players in the Major Leagues this season, and his contract will finally reflect that. A contract extension will likely come within the next couple of weeks, but if it does not, Trout has very good salary this season.
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