The spending habits of the Los Angeles Angels are redefining what the word “reckless” really means. One year after signing Albert Pujols to a $240 million contract, the Halos broke the bank again, luring Josh Hamilton away from AL West rival Texas Rangers with a five year, $125 million contract.
The Angels’ lineup includes Pujols, Rookie of the Year and future MVP Mike Trout, future All-Star Mike Trumbo and a rejuvenated Kendrys Morales. They were a top-five offensive team in 2012 by every conceivable measure, and considering that both Trout and Trumbo are years away from reaching their primes (a scary thought), adding an expensive bat like Hamilton’s is a luxury that the Angels just don’t need. Short-term, they do not have the pitching to contend for a World Series. Long-term, they will be paying $50 million for a combination – Pujols and Hamilton – with few places to go but down.