Yelich on Trout deal: 'Definitely well-deserved'

PHOENIX -- If anyone deserves the biggest contract in professional sports history it’s Mike Trout, according to reigning National League Most Valuable Player Award winner Christian Yelich, who said he’s not sweating the fact that his own contract is suddenly looking like a bargain.

“I think he’s established himself as the best player in the game today,” Yelich said. “Just what he’s done over the last few years, it’s incredible. It’s definitely well-deserved.”

A source confirmed to MLB.com on Tuesday that the Angels and Trout were in agreement on a 12-year deal worth more than $400 million. The extension followed record-setting free-agent contracts for Manny Machado with the Padres (10 years, $300 million) and Bryce Harper with the Phillies (13 years, $330 million).

“Those guys are always going to be fine,” Yelich said. “Everybody always knew that. Great for them. They deserve it. Like I said, Trout is the best player in the game today. He’s had an unbelievable track record. It feels like he’s going to win the MVP every season.”

Yelich’s contract, signed with the Marlins in March 2015 when he was still in his pre-arbitration seasons, was for seven years and $49.57 million. He is earning a $9.75 million base salary in 2019, with salaries of $12.5 million in 2020 and $14 million in 2021 with a $15 million club option for 2022 that has a $1.25 million buyout.

Assuming the Brewers pick up the option, Yelich would earn $51.25 million in base salary over the next four years. He would reach free agency at age 31.

Asked whether he’s starting to feel underpaid in light of recent megadeals, Yelich said, “No, I think that stuff all resolves itself. It will take care of itself over time. It’s a decision I made a few years back. I made it for certain reasons and figured that at the end of the day, everything will end up working itself out.”

Yelich is 27, the same age as Ryan Braun when Braun signed his five-year, $105 million extension with the Brewers in April 2011. At the time, Braun had more than four years left on his current deal.

There have been no indications of activity between the Brewers and representatives of Yelich, who became the club's first league batting champion and fifth league MVP last season after hitting .326 with 36 home runs and 110 RBIs in the regular season.

“I love it here,” Yelich said. “We’ll see how it plays out.”