Mike Trout, Angels Confirm $426.5 Million Deal, MLB Players Unanimous In Praise

The Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout have officially confirmed an agreement over a new deal that will see the center fielder remain with the franchise through to the 2030 season. He signed a Major League Baseball (MLB) record contract, worth $426.5 million over 12 years.

The 27-year-old was expected to enter free agency in 2020 when his six-year $144.5 million contract concluded and Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper had even begun the process of recruiting Trout after he had signed his own his now-eclipsed record MLB contract of $330 million of 13 years, earlier in the year.

The Angels’ official site reported Trout's new deal was actually for 10 years but also includes the two years remaining on his previous contract. He is almost certain to spend the rest of his career with the Los Angeles franchise as there is no opt-out clause in the new deal.

"This is where I wanted to be all along," Trout said via a statement on the Angels’ official site. "I have enjoyed my time as an Angel and look forward to representing the organization, my teammates and our fans for years to come."

"This is an exciting day for Angels fans and every player who has ever worn an Angels uniform," Angels owner Arte Moreno said. "Mike Trout, an athlete whose accomplishments have placed him among the greatest baseball players in the history of the game, has agreed to wear an Angels uniform for his entire career.”

Trout’s $426.5 million contract is the largest contract given to any player in the history of baseball. It shatters the previous record made by Harper when he signed with the Phillies, and it also becomes the third record deal to be signed this offseason after Manny Machado became the first player to receive a $300 million deal in MLB history in February.

A number of MLB players from the Angels and other franchises reacted to the record-breaking deal and the unanimous verdict was that Trout deserved the deal, with almost everyone accepting he has the ability to become the best player the game has ever seen.

Here are some reactions from across the MLB with players from the Angels, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers unanimous in their praise, via Angels’ official site.

Angels first baseman Albert Pujols: "To be able to finish my career here with the best player in the game, it’s just so well deserved. I’m so happy for him and his family. I think the most important thing for me is that he is the best in the game. For me, to be able to guide him during my years here and just share some of my success or any questions he asks or whatever. Because it’s a scary thing that he wants to get better. He’s 27, you know, and he wants to get better. I don’t know how much better he can get. But he’s just special.”

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado: "Amazing deal for the best player in the game. It’s cool to see a team go after him and make sure they keep him like that. He’s probably the greatest five-tool player the game has seen."

Brewers outfielder and reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich: “I think he’s established himself as the best player in the game today. Just what he’s done over the last few years, it’s incredible. It’s definitely well deserved. Trout is the best player in the game today. He’s had an unbelievable track record. It feels like he’s going to win the MVP every season.”