Torii Hunter is in the final year of a five-year $90mm deal he signed with the Angels prior to the 2008 season. Since signing the deal with the Angels, he has not only brought leadership and a veteran presence to the clubhouse, but a .279 avg, .349 OBP and .465 SLG while hitting 89 home runs and earning two gold gloves and a silver slugger award.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times notes that Hunter would like to stay with the Angels beyond this season and would even “take less money.”

They have so many young guys coming up, guys they want to give playing time to, so I know it could be difficult for me,” Hunter said. “But if they’re willing to keep me here, I would love to stay.”

Hunter hit .262, with 24 homers and 82 runs batted in last season while battling early season injuries.

The outfield will continue to be crowded next season as well as Peter Bourjos and Mike Trout along with Vernon Wells will all be under contract for the 2013 season. But with solid production, even like last season, the fan favorite should have no problem signing a new deal to stay in Anaheim.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.