Advertisement

Trout sets another precedent with $144.5M deal

 
Mike Trout is trading three years of free agent eligibility for financial security with the Angels.
Mike Trout is trading three years of free agent eligibility for financial security with the Angels.
Published March 30, 2014

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout gave a big wave when he bounded onto the stage at the Angels' fan fiesta Saturday, a plaid dress shirt tucked underneath his red No. 27 jersey. The crowd responded with wild cheers and "M-V-P!" chants for the best player in baseball.

Trout is beloved at the Big A, and now he can stay under that comfortable halo for at least another seven years.

The centerfielder formalized his new six-year, $144.5 million deal, committing to the Angels through 2020. Los Angeles bought out three arbitration seasons and Trout's first three years of free agency.

"I love it here," said Trout, 22, who makes $1 million this season. "I think it's the best opportunity for me to be here, and over the next seven years, it's going to be a big jump in my life."

Trout had no problem giving up a few years of free-agent freedom in exchange for financial security and a chance to keep playing in sunny Orange County for a wealthy franchise.

"When the owner comes out and puts up these big numbers, like $33 million, it's hard to turn down," Trout said.

Trout is the first player with less than three years of service time to sign a deal worth more than $20 million annually. He finished second to Detroit's Miguel Cabrera in MVP voting the past two seasons despite leading the majors in Wins Above Replacement in both, 10.0 in 2012 and 10.4 in 2013.

ACE TO DL: Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw went on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his seven-year career because of a swollen muscle in his left upper back. Kershaw, 26, already had been scratched from his scheduled start today.

L.A. QUAKE: An earthquake was felt at Dodger Stadium during Friday night's exhibition against the Angels. The magnitude-5.1 quake caused tremors inside Chavez Ravine and in surrounding counties about 9:11 p.m.

JETER HONORED: Yankees captain Derek Jeter was honored during a short ceremony at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa just before the game against the Marlins was rained out. A video tribute was played on the scoreboard before Jeter was introduced to a standing ovation. "I got a key to the city. I live here, so I can do whatever I want when I'm in Tampa," Jeter said with a smile. "I thought it was very nice."

PLUMBING PROBLEMS: A's coaches were sent scrambling after toilets in the home clubhouse backed up and overflowed at O.Co Coliseum before the exhibition game against the Giants. The aging stadium has been plagued by plumbing problems.

FULD MAKES A'S: Sam Fuld, the popular former Ray who signed with Oakland in February, made the team as the fourth outfielder.

BRAVES: Right-handed reliever Cory Gearrin has ligament damage in his right elbow and will see noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews this week for a second opinion.

GIANTS: Right-hander Tim Lincecum is expected to make his start Thursday despite getting hit in the left knee by a comebacker Friday.

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

INDIANS: Catcher Yan Gomes, 26, agreed to a six-year, $23 million contract extension that includes two option years, foxsports.com reported.

METS: Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas, meaning right-hander Jenrry Mejia likely has won the fifth rotation spot.

NATIONALS: Right-hander Doug Fister went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle on the right side of his upper back and is expected to miss up to a month.

RED SOX: Rightfielder Shane Victorino hurt his right hamstring and is scheduled to have an MRI exam today.

ROCKIES: Right-hander Tyler Chatwood said he has a minor left hamstring strain and expects to make his start Wednesday.