“This is not a unilateral decision” - When Mike Trout’s agent Craig Landis defended himself against critics for the star’s six-year extension

Mike Trout might have one of the most bizarre careers in MLB history. Despite being one of the most talented players of the last 50 years, his lack of team success has left a clear blank space on his impressive resume. Even though the superstar outfielder has been limited to only three playoff games in his career, he has remained loyal to the Los Angeles Angels.

"Mike Trout: "There was a lot of talk about going back to Philly" Fans: "BOOOOOOOO" Trout: "It never crossed my mind. I was going to be an Angel for life" @Angels | @MLBonFOX" - @BallySportWest

Now 14 years into his MLB career, Mike Trout has drawn plenty of criticism for his decision to stay with the Angels given their lack of success. But even in his early days with the club, there were some questions about his representation's approach to his first major contract.

During a 2014 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Trout's agent, Craig Landis, was questioned about the contract that the outfielder agreed to, despite having several years of arbitration remaining. It was alleged that instead of agreeing to a six-year, $144,500,000 deal, he could have received a much larger, long-term deal with the club. This is something that Landis pushed back against.

“My job is to do what the client wants me to do ... This is not a unilateral decision," Craig Landis said.

Landis said that he felt that the contract aligned perfectly with the desire of Trout, his parents, and the Los Angeles Angels. He also noted that by not signing a long-term contract at 22 years old, he would be able to sign another, more lucrative deal in the prime of his career, something he did.

In 2019, he signed a massive 12-year, $426,500,000 deal to remain with the Angels, which was the most lucrative deal in MLB history at the time. It has since been passed by his former Angels teammate, Shohei Ohtani, who inked a 10-year, $700,000,000 deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past offseason.

Mike Trout will look to guide the Angels back to the playoffs next year after suffering torn meniscus

It's been a difficult season for the Los Angeles Angels. After losing Shohei Ohtani in free agency, the team was hoping to use that departure as a method of igniting the roster. Unfortunately for the Angels, their season took a massive hit after only 29 games as Trout suffered a torn meniscus.

While he looked close to returning to the lineup, he suffered yet another tear during the recovery process, ending his year. That being said, if any player was to rise like the phoenix and take the league by storm in 2025, it would be Mike Trout.

If the front office can make some major moves next offseason and Trout can bounce back, there is a chance that the future Hall of Famer gets another taste of postseason baseball.