Just before Opening Day, Mike Trout secured his future with the Los Angeles Angels for the next six years. The outfielder agreed to a contract worth $144.5 million that begins in 2015. The 22-year-old will become a free agent in 2020, but for now will be continue being the superstar for the Angels while setting the tone for contracts for budding stars like himself. Could Bryce Harper be the next to sign a deal like Trout's?
Harper is certainly a phenom in his own right. The Washington Nationals outfielder has put together a stellar campaign in his first few seasons in the major leagues. The 21-year-old is just 14 months younger than Trout and could be poised to sign a similar deal the runner-up American League MVP. Harper is in the fourth year of his five-year contract with Washington Nationals and fans would love some security for keeping Harper around for a few more years. However, according to Harper's agent Scott Boras, a deal similar to Trout's is not in the cards.
"I have the pleasure and privilege of watching Mike Trout play every night," Boras said, via the Washington Post. "I think he's a very special cup of tea, for which he is deserving of a completely different brew. While few, I definitely consider Bryce Harper as part of the next generation of elite brand of teas. Certainly as a studied connoisseur, I may hold a differing opinion as to the availability, demand and value of tea futures."
Harper is under the contract of the Nationals until 2018. With three remaining, a deal like Trout's which covers his three years of arbitration eligibility would ease the hearts of fans everywhere. Trout left money on the table with his deal with the Angels. The outfielder could have signed an even bigger contract, but opted to become a free agent sooner rather than later. Boras indicates that there is no chance Harper leaves a cent on the table. Of course with Boras as an agent, that was never an option in the first place.
Harper will sign a massive contract soon. Boras will steer him away from considering a "hometown discount" or going about a deal the way Trout did. Harper's stock is only moving up and with an agent like Boras, he will get the next marquee contract.
