Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout to be highest paid player in 2018

The best player in the game is not always the highest paid player. Right now, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is set to be both.

It has been an incredible offseason for the Los Angeles Angels. They have solidified their infield, trading for Ian Kinsler and inking Zack Cozart to play third. Shohei Ohtani has been signed, giving Los Angeles both a potential ace and a middle of the order bat. They even signed Kevin Maitan, the former Braves top prospect who was declared a free agent as part of Atlanta’s punishment.

The positive offseason has also extended to superstar Mike Trout. With Ohtani, he may actually get some protection in the lineup, a novel idea for the best player in the game. And, given the slow offseason, Trout has become the highest paid player in the game, as his salary for the 2018 campaign has increased to $34.083 million.

There is no question that Trout has been worth the price tag. He has made the All Star team in each of his six full seasons, winning five Silver Slugger awards, two MVPs, and was named the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year. He has also been the runner up for the MVP three times, and never finished worse than fourth in the balloting.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

That fourth place finish came in 2017, not because he was showing signs of slowing, but due to an injury that cost Trout over a month of the season. Even then, he produced a .306/.442/.629 batting line, hitting 33 homers and stealing 22 bases. He led the league in on base percentage and slugging, and continued his march towards being one of the best players in baseball history.

Even that salary could end up as a bargain. He will be just 26 years old heading into 2018, not even at his prime. Given his already impressive resume, it is a frightening thought to the rest of the league that he may not have reached his full potential yet. If that is the case, $34 million may still be a decent salary for the Angels.

Next: Angels rotation key to 2018

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is set to be the highest paid player in the game. It is fitting for the best player in baseball to finally have the highest salary.