ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the new Angels first baseman’s contract is backloaded. That was done, in part, to help the Halos sign free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson to a deal as well.
Crasnick reports that Pujols, who will make more than $250 million over the course of his decade-long career, will get “only” $12 million in the first year of the deal and $16 million in his second year in Southern California. His annual salary will then reportedly increase each year of the new pact, with his yearly income eventually surpassing $30 million.
Pujols will be 32 on Opening Day, though there have been questions about the Dominican Republic native’s actual age. At the very least, a 42-year-old Pujols is set to make more than $30 million in the final year of the deal.
Regardless, the backloading of money helped the Angels sign Wilson, considered by many to be the best starting-pitching option on the market, to a five-year, $77.5 million deal.
Photo via Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Facebook page.
