I get this. I do.
But just for a second try to forget about the money, and think about...life. With a job. That you're stuck at. And it sucks. And then you're gone 6 months out of the year from having an actual life. And no matter how hard you work and how good you are, going to work sucks. And even though you have a shit ton of money, you know you're stuck spending the next 10 years doing it into your late 30's.
I have a great job, good pay, but you know what? Sometimes the day sucks, but I get to go home in my bed, I get to see my girl, I go out with friends to forget about it, I see my family and people I love.
Strad gives me shit but that commitment alone is what was never worth it to me. Life is short. I think Trouts realizing that, and I think if you're going to dedicate all this time, regardless of the money, if you're going to give it all you have, I don't doubt you'd rather be out there winning. So your job doesn't suck. So even though you're not with your family and friends, you're out there with the best of the best.
Trout signed that contract with the expectation that the Angels would be a competitive team, and he's halfway there and he's still dealing with this horseshit organization that doesn't know its ass from a hole in the ground. And at some point regardless of the money, that has to wear on you.
I don't feel bad for Trout, but I can totally understand his mindset considering the circumstances.