Trout kept his eyes on Harper and Machado

LOS ANGELES - Superstar outfielder Mike Trout said watching Manny Machado and Bryce Harper plod through free agency this offseason helped him decide to sign a mega-extension with the Los Angeles Angels.

"I kind of saw what Bryce and Manny went through and it drew a red flag for me," Trout said in an interview with The Athletic on Tuesday.

"It was a tough couple months in the offseason. They put it in perspective in my mind. I obviously want to be an Angel for life. That was a big key."