There are still several weeks left until Opening Day. And if Major League Baseball is anything like we know it is, a lot can happen between now and then.
However, until then, these are the guys that will getting paid way too much heading into the 2015 season.
Alex Rodriguez, Third Baseman/Designated Hitter, New York Yankees
Contract: 10 years/$275,000,00
2015 base salary: $21,000,000
Alex Rodriguez put a dark cloud over himself when he was suspended for a year due to his use of performance enhancing drugs. Since then, the Yankees have signed Chase Headley to a $52 million deal, which ultimately led to questions about where A-Rod stands in 2015. Rodriguez is projected to be the designated hitter and backup corner infielder. But there are whispers indicating that A-Rod is going into spring training as the starting third baseman.
With all of that being said, his contract is worth a ridiculous amount. Not only is the guy too old to do anything to keep the Yankees relevant, but he has lost a lot of respect from Yankees fans, and baseball fans everywhere.
Including his signing bonus, A-Rod will be making $22,000,000 in 2015. It’s a high price to pay for someone who seemed to disrespect America’s Favorite Pastime.
Josh Hamilton, Outfielder, Los Angeles Angels
Contract: 5 years/$125,000,000
2015 base salary: $23,000,000
When Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols were introduced to the Angels in 2013, fans’ mouths started to water, especially with Mike Trout waiting to accept them with open arms. However, not all big names mean big numbers. The team finished third in the AL West (78-84) in 2013.
Hamilton finished that season with a .250 batting average, 144 hits and 21 bombs. If you’re not disappointed yet, compare those numbers to Hamilton’s 2010 season with the Texas Rangers. The 33 year-old had the number one batting average in the MLB at .359 and was the leader in WAR at 8.7. He was also named MVP that season.
Fast forward a few years, even to last season, Angels fans (and MLB fans in general) are still waiting for him to have a break through season, or at least somewhat of a comeback season. Luckily, the stud that is Mike Trout is taking the limelight away from how horrible Hamilton has been.
Still, he will end the 2015 season with a total of $25.4 million in his pocket.
Ryan Howard, First Baseman, Philadelphia Phillies
Contract: 5 years/$125,000,000
2015 base salary: $25,000,000
This one is particularly bothersome, especially when you glance at Howard’s stats over the last 10 seasons.
Once you let it sink in that you are indeed old and Howard has been playing in the big’s for a decade, let’s take a look at his numbers since 2004.
Over his career, Howard has played in 1,331 games. In those games, he has 1,303 hits, 334 home runs, and 1,058 RBI’s. With all being said and done, he has a measly .265 batting average over that time. Not to mention he hasn’t hit over .300 since the 2006 campaign, the year in which he was named the NL MVP.
Heading into 2015, Howard is 35 years-old, which is when power hitters tend to decline. If these are his numbers now, we can only imagine what we will see moving forward.
C.J. Wilson, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
Contract: 5 years/$77,500,000
2015 base salary: $18,000,000
Even if you don’t include his Head and Shoulders endorsement money, C.J. Wilson will earn $18.5 million in 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFq8ilQvb1s
Compared to other pitchers, that number seems low. However, there is still a lot Wilson needs to improve on if he wants to put his money where his mound is. (See what I did there?)
According to Mike Greyshock of the Halo Hangout, Wilson tanked hard last season.
He threw the fewest number of innings in his career as a starter, says Greyshock. For C.J. to regain his form as an at least average starter he’ll have to find a way to get back some of his consistency in command. Whether or not he can do that at age 34 is another question.
Last season, Wilson posted a 4.51 ERA. In 175.2 innings pitched, he gave up 169 hits and walked 85 batters (Most in the AL). That’s a 1.45 WHIP for those who care about advanced stats.
Cameron Maybin, Outfielder, San Diego Padres
Contract: 5 years/$25,000,000
2015 base salary: $7,000,000
This may not seem like a huge contract. However, when you take a look at his numbers, you will understand why I put him on this list.
I know Maybin has suffered injuries that have kept him back. Even then, the outfielder has not put up a single solid season at the highest level.
Overall in his career, Maybin is hitting .246 and has a total of 150 RBI’s. And he’s still getting paid more than Bryce Harper.
With the way the Padres are trying to shape that team, I don’t see him lasting much longer