Los Angeles Angels: Why Mike Trout is being underpaid
By Jason Reed
1. Mike Trout is going to be in his prime for more than half this contract
One of the revolutionary things about Trout, Harper and Machado is that the trio is still very, very young. Typically in the past, these massive contracts would end up biting a team towards the end of the deal; just look at the Angels with Albert Pujols. The team has not gotten a single prime year out of Pujols and has gotten one all-star year.
These young guys are different. Trout is just 27 years old and will not be 28 until August. WIth all things considered, Trout might not have even hit his peak prime, which could be coming over the next 2-3 years.
He certainly is in his prime right now but there is reason to believe that there is even more that Trout can do. Since he is such a sensational athlete, he is going to be in his prime at least through his age 33 season.
He might slow down on the bases and the Angels might have to move him to left field but he is still going to be an elite hitter at the dish at least for seven more seasons. That is half of his 12-year contract, which the final five years he will probably still be all-star worthy.
Seven prime years of Trout alone is worth $300 million. Getting him for 12 years sweetens the price.