The Los Angeles Angels have signed their “big fish” Mike Trout to a 12-year deal that’s worth $426.5 million.  If this deal gets finalized, Mike Trout will up Bryce Harper’s contract by $96.5 million dollars and will stay with the club for one less year.  There is no information about any options or incentives.

Back in 2009, the Angels selected Mike Trout for the 25th pick in the first round of the MLB draft.  Since 2011, Mike Trout has won Rookie of the Year (2012) and two MVP awards (2014 & 2016).  Mike Trout has also been on seven All-Star teams and has also won two All-Star MVPs.  In addition he has won six Silver Sluggers awards.  The Angels always knew that they had a special player patrolling the grass in centerfield  and a solid bat in their lineup.  However, I don’t think that they knew they had a player as quite the caliber as Trout has shown in his eight years.

The good news, is now the Angels and their fans won’t have to worry about Mike Trout testing the waters of free-agency.  For at least 12 years Mike Trout will be the most recognizable face in southern California and the richest professional athlete in America.