MLB rumors: Angels’ ‘lifetime’ offer keeping Mike Trout from Yankees, Phillies?

If the Angels can convince Mike Trout to sign an unprecedented deal, the Phillies and Yankees’ hopes will be over.

Keep an eye on Los Angeles this winter.

No, not because the Angels are expected to be a team that makes a big splash or two in free agency. But rather because a simple “yes” or “no” received from the best player in the sport will have long-term ramifications.

It’s no secret that the Angels will approach Mike Trout with a contract extension offer this winter. The hope: Trout agrees, tacks on a ton of a money and years to the two years already left on his deal, and cuts off any rumors of bolting after 2020 or trade rumors before that day arrives.

Now Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports is adding a wrinkle to the idea of an offer to Trout: Lifetime security.

The Angels are expected to try again to make Mike Trout a lifetime Angel when they discuss a contract this winter, and one rival agent suggested Trout’s agent would be wise to wait until free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are signed to provide the floor.

Trout’s agent, Craig Landis, is experienced and may not need the advice, and he certainly has his focus on Trout now, mostly because Trout’s an all-time great and the best current player in the game, but also because he’s Landis’ lone prominent client at this point.

While there’s not specific details of what that kind of deal could look like, “lifetime” comes with an extra connotation than simply just eight or nine or 10 years in a baseball contract. Perhaps the Angels are thinking bigger and realizing Trout can be their version of Cal Ripken Jr. or Derek Jeter.

Trout to Philly?

If Los Angeles is offer more than just money and years, it could be harder for Trout to wait it out for the free agent market. But if that happens (or a trade goes down before), expect the Phillies and Yankees to be near the front of the line to go after one of the best players of all time.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.