The Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Mike Trout are finalizing a contract that blows Bryce Harper’s recent record deal out of the water.
Trout has decided to remain in Los Angeles on a new 12-year, $430 million deal, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday.
Trout would have become a free agent after the 2020 season. Days after signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper made clear his interest in having Trout join him in Philadelphia — and such speculation made sense, because Trout grew up in South Jersey and recently built a mansion near the city.
Instead, Trout spurned Harper, by agreeing not only to a long-term deal to stay with the Angels, but also one that makes Harper’s $330 million look puny.
Trout’s $35.8 average annual value is also a new record for Major League Baseball.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.