Philadelphia-Based Sports Agent: Phillies on ‘Inside Track’ to Sign Mike Trout

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies just signed Bryce Harper to a record-breaking contract, and are only poised to top their record once again when fellow star outfielder Mike Trout, currently of the Los Angeles Angels, hits free agency after the 2020 season.

Philadelphia native sports agent and attorney Jerrold Colton, who remains based in the city, recently told CBS Philly that if Trout does not re-sign with the Angels, the Phillies "should have a good chance to land the former American League MVP."

“We have an upper hand to getting Mike Trout, for sure," Colton said. "The Phillies have an inside track if the Angels don’t re-sign him."

Colton is the owner of CS Sports Management and is a certified NHL and NFL agent; he attended Rutgers University for both his undergraduate career and law school. Colton said it is not "out of the question" that Trout will become the first $40 million player, given the San Diego Padres' Manny Machado making $30 million per season and Harper "approaching it."

After managing four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason throughout his career and transition to the booth, according to nj.biznet-us.com, Colton took on other clients; he and CS Sports Management are no strangers to record contracts:

• Defensive back Anthony Henry signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, including $12 million guaranteed, the most of any free agent deal during the 2005 free agency period.
• Kicker David Akers signed a five year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the highest paid kicker in NFL history at the time.
• Linebacker Brian Simmons signed a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, making him one of the highest paid linebackers in the NFL.
• Tackle Jahri Evans signed the highest paid restricted free agent deal in 2009.

Unlike the NHL and NFL, of which Colton manages players as an agent, MLB has no salary cap. Colton noted that difference to CBS Philly, but did note the league has a luxury tax. He said that the Phillies' revenues and success would "hopefully justify the expenditure."

 “It would really be a shame if Mike Trout wasn’t able to be brought to Philadelphia because of money," Colton said. "If he wants to be here, I gotta believe the Phillies will find a way to make it happen."

“The real question is, for the owners, are they willing to dig into their pockets for that, and, so far, from the [John] Middleton-led group, they are.”

While Middleton cannot comment on Trout as an owner, Harper already has, controversially, multiple times since joining the Phillies. This will only get more interesting as Trout distances himself further and further from the possibility of re-signing with the Angels.