I think in this case it will happen in Nov for a few reasons. While you say he will sign during the season. I think the agent will wait to see if Trout wins an MVP next year. That is significant leverage in arbitration, and since he is still under club control, really this is his only leverage. If he does not win an MVP, his value will probably not change. They will use the won't negotiate contract negotiations during the season, and since the concensus is he won't sign before 2014 begins for CBT purposes, that leaves the end of the season. Also, I think that Trout is a significant portion of the present and future budget, so the Angels will want to get a deal done as soon as the season is over to figure out what is within the budget for other players, and also before arb numbers get exchanged. Because he has a chance to shatter arbitration records.