Trout nearing deal for 12 years, $432M

Mike Trout and the Angels are close to finalizing a $432 million, 12-year contract that would shatter the record for the largest deal in North American sports history, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The deal was disclosed Tuesday by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been finalized. The contract was likely to be announced by the end of this week, the person said.

Trout would set a baseball record for career earnings at about $513 million, surpassing the roughly $448 million Alex Rodriguez took in with the Mariners, Rangers and Yankees from 1994-2017.

Trout’s deal would top the new $330 million, 12year contract between Bryce Harper and the Phillies, and Trout’s $36 million average annual value would surpass pitcher Zack Greinke’s $34.4 million in a six-year deal with the Diamondbacks that started in 2016. The contract also would best Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez’s $356 million deal with streaming service DAZN.

Whether Trout’s contract is the largest in the world for a team athlete is difficult to determine. Forbes estimated Lionel Messi earned $84 million from Barcelona in 2017-18 and Cristiano Ronaldo $61 million from Real Madrid, but precise details of their contracts are not known.

Trout’s deal would include a signing bonus and supersede the $144.5 million, six-year contract that had been set to pay him $33.25 million in each of the next two seasons.

While the marketplace has been slow for many players this offseason, prompting complaints from the players’ association, top stars have gained robust deals. Four of the largest seven contracts will have been agreed to since Feb. 19, with Trout and Harper joined by Manny Machado ($300 million for 10 years with the Padres) and Nolan Arenado ($260 million for eight years with the Rockies).

Trout has a .307 average with 240 homers, 648 RBIs, 189 steals and 693 walks in eight big-league seasons.

Fulmer mulls surgery: Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer may need Tommy John surgery.

The Tigers said surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow has been recommended following an MRI exam and a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews.

Fulmer, who experienced elbow soreness during a recent bullpen session, will seek a third opinion.

Extra innings: Yankees reliever Dellin Betances has inflammation in his right shoulder and will start the regular season on the injured list. Betances said he will not throw for three to five days but doesn’t think it’s a longterm issue . ... Free agent Carlos Gonzalez signed a minor-league contract with the Indians. Gonzalez could help the Indians settle their outfield situation, which became muddled following the decision not to re-sign Michael Brantley. If he makes the 40-man roster, Gonzalez will get a $2 million contract in the majors.