The Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout came to terms on a record extension. On Wednesday, both Trout and team owner, Arte Moreno, released statements on the deal.
Per Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times, Moreno called Trout “among the greatest baseball players in the history of the game” and was happy that Trout “agreed to wear an Angels uniform for his entire career.”
Trout, meanwhile, said that “This is where I wanted to be all along.”
While Trout’s free agency was two full seasons away, he certainly had his suitors.
Once Bryce Harper signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, it was easy to think that they might look to bring Trout home. It was even more natural to make that assumption once Harper said in no uncertain terms that he’d recruit Trout.
But obviously that’s off the table.
Now we have to hope that the Angels can put more talent around Trout. As great as Trout has been, he’s seldom had the chance to play on the game’s biggest stages. Through his career, the Halos have only made the playoffs one time. That trip resulted in an ALDS sweep.
If Los Angeles can put a better cast around Trout and get him to the postseason more, the best may be yet to come.