The ink is only a few days dry on Mike Trout's colossal contract. But he is already eager to bring a championship back to Los Angeles.
Not surprising from someone who many concede to be the game's top player.
Trout gave an emotional address in front of his team-mates and Angels fans on Sunday.
It was Trout's first news conference since the center-fielder's 12-year, $426.5 million extension made him the highest-paid player in MLB history.
"I know there was a lot of talk about going back east, but I enjoy every minute being here," Trout said.
"This is my home. I love it. I think the direction of the franchise, if it was going the other way, I would have had to consider going. But it never crossed my mind. I was going to be an Angel for life, sure."
Trout thanked everyone from his agent to fans that have endured a four-year playoff drought. But despite a dearth of playoff berths, Trout has been nothing but a pure joy to watch play the game of baseball.
"I want to bring a championship back to Anaheim. Let's go, baby!" he said.
Trout has earned two MVP awards and made seven All-Star teams as a member of the Angels. He was in the second-to-last year of a six-year, $144m deal he signed with Los Angeles in 2014.
Trout's extension continues a trend of teams locking up their own players, from young budding stars to current superstars. This is one of many MLB story lines it will be worth following in 2019.
Trout, 27, was originally taken with the 25th overall pick in the 2009 draft, which probably indicates 24 other very regretful teams.
He has slashed .307/.416/.573 in eight seasons with the club while blasting 240 home runs, stealing 189 bases and driving in 648 runs.
Since his 2011 debut, Trout has been the game's most valuable position player as measured by his 64.9 fWAR. Buster Posey comes in a distant second with only 47.3 fWAR.
In that same span, his .417 wOBA always leads the league.
The Los Angeles Angels begin their 2019 season on MLB opening day, March 28. They play in Oakland, against an Athletics team that is already down 0-2 due to their recent official games in Japan.
The games likely starters will be Trevor Cahill against Mike Fiers (0-1).
Are you a fan of Sports? Are you a fan of exciting live streaming shows? Then you'll definitely be a fan of Sports Burst, the new Facebook Live show brought to you exclusive by beIN SPORTS.
