It is not often that a franchise can sign someone for $77.5 million and not have that be anywhere close to the largest contract for the team in the same offseason let alone the same day. But that was the case for C.J. Wilson and the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, who signed a five-year contract on the same day first baseman Albert Pujols signed for $254 million over 10 years.
The contract for Wilson is fairly backloaded, with Wilson receiving just $10 million in 2012, plus a $2.5 million signing bonus. Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas has the contract details for the former Texas Rangers' pitcher:
- 2012: $10 million salary plus $2.5 million signing bonus
- 2013: $11 million
- 2014: $16 million
- 2015: $18 million
- 2016: $20 million
Those salaries for Wilson in the final three years of his deal match the salaries of Jered Weaver, who signed a five-year, $85 million extension in August. Weaver will make $14 million in 2012, Dan Haren will make $12.75 million, and Ervin Santana will make $11.2 million, meaning the Angels will pay their top four starting pitchers a combined $50.45 million next season.
For more on the Angels, head over to Halos Heaven.