|
 The $1 million figure is the most for a Major League Baseball
player who has not yet qualified for arbitration, according to the
Major League Baseball's website (mlb.com).
Trout, with just two full seasons in the majors, is considered by
some already to be the best all-around player in the game.
"I think Mike's earned that," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto
said about the salary for Trout. "He's certainly been an
extraordinary player, and we have no doubt that he'll continue to be
that player."
The previous high-salary mark for players who have yet to qualify
for arbitration was $900,000, received by Phillies first baseman
Ryan Howard in 2007 and then-Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols
in 2003.
Players with less than four seasons in the majors can have their
contracts renewed by their clubs at a minimal increase, potentially
saving the team considerable money.
For most players with less than three years of Major League Baseball
service time, clubs can determine their salaries, as long as it's at
least the 2014 minimum of $500,000.
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Trout, however, has been so sensational, the Angels were running the
risk of alienating the power-hitting speedster, who they hope to
lock up with a long term contract.
A recent report by Yahoo! Sports said the Angels and Trout's
representatives were working on a possible six-year, $150 million
contract.
Last spring, the Angels gave Trout only a $20,000 increase from his
American League Rookie of the Year season in 2012, in a contract
totaling $510,000.
Asked why the Angels paid above and beyond what was required this
time, Dipoto said: "Honestly, because I think we felt like his
performance was exceptional.
"There are players that force you to break a rule, and what Trout
just did for two consecutive years forced us to break our own rule."
Trout finished second to Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera for the
American League Most Valuable Player Award in each of the past two
years. Last season, he batted .323 with 27 home runs, 97 runs batted
in and 33 stolen bases.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Gene Cherry)
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