Los Angeles Angels have a rare one with Mike Trout

Virtually every player leaves their original organization at some point in their careers. That will not be the case with the Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout.

With free agency, teams looking to stay below a certain level in payroll, and various trades, it is rare to see a player remain with his original franchise throughout his playing career. For every player like George Brett or Robin Yount, there are hundreds that move from organization to organization, either in search of postseason glory or a better payday.

That will not be the case with Mike Trout. He signed an incredible 12 year extension worth $430 million to remain a part of the Los Angeles Angels, a contract that will not come to an end until after the 2030 campaign. In that contract, Trout has a full no trade clause, and there are not any opt outs.

That latter part, in particular, flies in the face of what has been a regular part of free agent contracts and extensions. Players have given themselves that ability to chase a better deal if they perform during the first part of the contract. Likewise, if they struggle, then they can simply opt in to the rest of the deal, getting that payout they would not have received otherwise. It is a part of the mercenary aspect of professional sports.

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Trout, however, is cut from a different cloth. He has been a part of the Angels organization for his entire professional career, and understands how much he means to that fanbase. He also feels comfortable there, a fact which cannot be overstated.

Even before the extension, it was clear that Trout wanted to remain with the franchise going forward. He had been completely invested in the Angels minor league system, watching the players and hoping for its growth to continue. Trout has been contacting general manager Billy Eppler after perusing minor league box scores, making sure that he noticed items of interest in the stats.

It is not as though Trout would have had limited options in free agency. Any team out there would have been interested in bringing in the best player in the game, especially in the prime of his career. The Phillies, in particular, had appeared to be designing a plan to bring Trout in following the 2020 season, with Bryce Harper already attempting a recruiting pitch.

Instead, those efforts will go for naught. Trout is staying in Los Angeles, a place where he feels at home. This is a move that is great for the game in the long haul, and particularly for the Angels, as they will keep the greatest player in team history throughout his career.

Mike Trout is not going anywhere. For the Los Angeles Angels, and baseball as a whole, that loyalty is a good thing to see.