According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Albert Pujols will make just $12 million in the first season of his 10-year, $254 million contract with the Angels.
Pujols agreed to a backloaded deal so that the Halos could sign other talent, including left-handed starter C.J. Wilson. The contract starts at a salary of $12 million, jumps to $16 million in 2013, and will eventually reach a salary of $30 million. It's all a bit frightening for the Angels, given that Pujols will be 41 years old at the conclusion of the 10-year agreement.