Long-term contracts are usually backloaded, but Albert Pujols' ten-year, $254 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels takes it to another degree.
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Pujols took an extremely backloaded contract in order to help the team sign free-agent starting pitcher C.J. Wilson. Pujols will earn $12 million and $16 million in the first two-years of the contract. The salary will increase yearly after, increasing to over $30 million per year in the later years of the deal.
Crasnick also reports the contract "includes a personal services contract with the Angels" that kicks in after retirement. Pujols will receive $10 million combined for reaching the 3,000 hit milestone and breaking Barry Bonds' 762 home run record.
- Albert Pujols agreed to backload deal to help Los Angeles Angels land C.J. Wilson - ESPN Los Angeles
"Albert Pujols made some accommodations to help his new club land another prize catch this winter."