We all believe we do not get paid enough to do our job. That’s just human nature. We have gone over the most overpaid players in the MLB in a previous article. We now wanted to take a look at the other side of the fence. The guys who should be getting more commas in their paychecks.
The league minimum in the Bigs is $500,000. I would be happy sitting on that kind of cash, however compared to Zack Greinke’s $147,000,000, that seems like change in your pockets. Some of these guys who are making the league minimum may surprise you.
Josh Donaldson, Third Baseman, Oakland Athletics ($500,000)
Donaldson is one of the six (seven, if you include Jeff Samardjiza) Oakland A’s who made it to the 2014 All-Star Game. He was also a contender in the Home Run Derby that teammate Yoenis Cespedes won (again). He has a batting average this season of .238, which doesn’t reflect what he can do. He does have 20 homers and 65 RBI’s at the break. While I don’t believe he deserves Greinke money, I also don’t believe Greinke deserves Greinke money. In addition to that, Donaldson boasts one of the best gloves in baseball.
It does become difficult because he is on a team that isn’t known for spending a ton of money, but a bit of a raise wouldn’t be too much to ask. After all, he is one of the primary faces of the franchise right now.
Yordano Ventura, Pitcher, Kansas City Royals ($500,500)
I was pretty set on Yordano Ventura as one of my top pitching guys to watch heading into the 2014 season. We weren’t expecting much from Kansas City, but I felt Ventura could do something on his own to wow me. This season, Ventura has accumulated a 7-7 record with a 3.22 ERA. He has 88 strikeouts in 103.1 innings pitched. And while he is still only 23, I see a bright future with this kid. He deserves a little bit more money to show that off.
Kole Calhoun, Outfielder, Los Angeles Angels ($506,000)
When thinking of the Los Angeles Angels, Kole Calhoun isn’t the first guy you necessarily think of. Usually it’s Mike Trout, and a LOT of money. However, Calhoun is definitely an unsung hero for the Halos this season. Calhoun is batting a .295 and has 10 bombs. These numbers may not sound phenomenal, but the guy has come through pretty clutch for the Angels thus far. So far, the Angels are second in the AL West behind the Athletics with a 57-37 record. It’s going to be difficult to watch the Halos fight for first, but Calhoun could very well be the ingredient to give the Angels that boost.
Jose Altuve, Infielder, Houston Astros ($1,437,500)
The Astros aren’t exactly the team that is known for dominating a division, however this season I am happy to say I am no longer (and neither are you) to call them the “Lastros.” Thanks in part to the Rangers. The face of the Houston Astros is Jose Altuve, and while he is small in size, he produces big numbers. He is second in the American League in batting behind only Adrian Beltre with a .337 average.
Understandably so, he is with another one of those organizations that isn’t exactly making it rain on them Hoes (see what I did there). However, he will soon either get a long-term deal from the Astros or get moved to another team that is willing to dole out the cash.
Billy Hamilton, Outfielder, Cincinnati Reds ($500,000)
I’m not the type person to say if an athlete is “too young” he doesn’t deserve to be paid handsomely. If the numbers and the ability are there, you should be able to be rewarded. When it comes to Billy Hamilton, his on-base percentage is at a .319 and it’s no doubt he can hit the ball. And while he’s not known for power (I realize I’m sounding like Billy Beane), he can get on base. If he can hit for power in the near future, Hamilton can be unstoppable.
And you should probably hold on to your girl extra tightly, Hamilton could easily slide into her DMs like…
Todd Frazier, Third Baseman, Cincinnati Reds ($600,000)
Another member of the Cincinnati Reds, and another member of the 2014 All-Star Team. Oh and he was a member of the Home Run Derby (talk about a sleeper) this season. Frazier was rather silent heading into the 2014 season, but he’s definitely made a name for himself on the Reds hitting .290 with 19 bombs and a .353 OBP. I’m not quite sure if the team is in talks of making him a millionaire quite yet, but they absolutely should be.