Report: Albert Pujols Backloaded Contract to Help Angels Sign C.J. Wilson

Albert Pujols is going to get a ton of money from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the course of his new 10-year deal with the team. Much of that money, however, will come toward the back end of the deal.

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.