The Texas Rangers raised eyebrows recently when they gave Elvis Andrus an 8-year, $120 million contract. To many, it seemed crazy to give a weak-hitting shortstop a $100+ million contract.
But to understand Andrus' contract, it needs to be placed in perspective. In 2015, when the extension begins, Andrus will be making $15 million. That would not even rank among the 20 highest-paid players in baseball this season.
And with television revenue skyrocketing in baseball, salaries will continue to go up at a rapid pace. And it won't be long until $100 million contracts are the norm, rather than the exception.
On the next few pages we will take a look at some of those $100 million contracts and see who has the highest salaries in Major League Baseball this season (data via BaseballProspectus.com)...
#20 Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners — $19.0 million
Position: Starting Pitcher
Contract: 7 years, $175.0 million (2013-19)
#19 Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies — $19.5 million
Position: Starting Pitcher
Contract: 6 years, $144.0 million (2013-18)
#12t Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers — $20.0 million
Position: Starting Pitcher
Contract: 7 years, $180 million (2013-19)
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