Top MLB Players Entering a Contract Year

hamels_away_uni March 30th, 2012

Many fantasy sports players know that one of the most valued pieces of information when drafting is the knowledge that a player is entering into the final year of their contract. Players who have dollars in their immediate future tend to perform at another level. Derek Holland’s recent 5 year $28.5 million contract is the most notable example of players carrying over success into a huge pay day.

Spotrac takes a look at the top MLB players by position who will be playing the 2012 season for their next contract.

 

 

Cole Hamels
Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia

The Phillies #3 starting pitcher is poised to land ace money in the 2012 off-season should he continue to perform at the level he has in recent seasons. The Phillies have a daunting year ahead of them battling age, injuries, and an improved division. Their success or lack thereof may dictate Hamel’s future.

 

Matt Cain
Starting Pitcher, San Francisco

Similar to Hamels, Cain has been overshadowed by flashier pitchers in the Giants rotation, but can legitimately compete at an ace-level at
times. He’ll generate plenty of conversation should the Giants decide to let him test the market.

 

Zack Greinke
Starting Pitcher, Milwaukee

Greinke can raise his stock considerably in this contract season by carrying a strong, but Prince-less Brewers team on his back.  He’s shown in his Kansas City days that he can win with very little around him, so there’s no reason to believe he shouldn’t have a solid season.

 

Jonathan Broxton
Relief Pitcher, Kansas City

The 29 year old closer will have a lot to prove in Kansas City this year after being tossed aside by the Dodgers in 2011. Broxton sits with a 1 year contract with the Royals and a productive season may warrant him a long-term contract in 2013.

 

Mike Napoli
Catcher, Texas

Coming off of a solid season with the Rangers (after being traded from Los Angeles), Napoli has the right mix of defensive talent, and consistent hitting to warrant another legitimate contract. It’s safe to say the Rangers will be in the mix to keep him should his 2012 numbers match up.

 

James Loney
1st Baseman, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers now have a formidable backing in ownership, but still a mess of contracts, and franchise ramifications hanging over them. It’s not out of the question to think that the next 1-2 seasons will be bumpy in order to full recover, and that probably means losing quality talent to bigger offers. Loney is a prime candidate to fall into this category.

 

Brandon Phillips
2nd Baseman, Cincinnati

The long-time Red has been one of the most consistent 5-tool values in the game for years now, and at only 32 years of age will certainly be in conversation should he hit the market. Should the Reds fall out of contention this year, look for Phillips to be on the trade-block.

 

David Wright
3rd Baseman, New York Mets

The Mets do hold a club option with Wright for 2013,  but it’s a $16 million option. With financial issues covering the franchise, the Mets will have to be creative to keep the long-time face of their franchise in tact. They’ve already watched Carlos Beltran, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Reyes head out of town, and many speculate that Wright will have to be the next in line.

 

Josh Hamilton
Left Fielder, Texas

An off-season that was certain to include a major contract for Hamilton with the Rangers turned ugly as the slugger once again found himself in personal struggles. The Rangers have been known to take gambles though, and they’ve got the 2012 season to use as a basis for their decision. Look for Texas to make their power-hitter a significant offer should he prove to be reliable on and off the field.

 

B.J. Upton
Center Fielder, Tampa Bay

One of the most versatile talents in the game, Upton hasn’t been able to stay healthy for a long enough period of time to generate elite buzz. Now, entering the final year of his contract, Upton has age (28) and a plethora of talent surrounding him. He’ll have a chance to garner a big time pay-day should his 2012 season stand up.

 

Melky Cabrera
Center Fielder, San Francisco

The multi-talented outfielder never found a comfortable spot in the Yankees lineup. But his short time in San Francisco has been successful, and many think this year becomes the 28-year-old’s true breakout season. He’ll be one of the top outfield prospects on the board should he reach free agency.

 

For a complete listing of 2013 MLB free agents, check out our Free Agent Tracker

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“Fit” for a King

b6d219ed75b73d665054ad8d95fe3c0a January 26th, 2012

The Detroit Tigers made giant-size splash in the 2012 free agency market with their 9 year, $214 million signing of Prince Fielder. With it comes a lineup to be feared, a franchise to be reveared, and more good problems than bad going forward.

Many experts think this signing is directly related to the recent news that Victor Martinez would miss the 2012 season with a torn ACL. If this is the case, this is one heck of an impulse buy. The truth is that Fielder fits well in this model – even with Miguel Cabrera previously isntalled as the majority 1st baseman.
Cabrera is a pure hitter, and that won’t change with a positional switch (reportedly to third base), but he’s had offseason issues and shouldn’t be labeled as the face of the franchise long term. Bringing in a player like Prince secures a dominant bat to place behind Caberera, and eventually Martinez, and a model all-star to build your franchise around for many years.

Here’s the breakdown of salaries for Prince Fielder’s new contract:

  • 2012: $23 million
  • 2013: $23 million
  • 2014: $24 million
  • 2015: $24 million
  • 2016: $24 million
  • 2017: $24 million
  • 2018: $24 million
  • 2019: $24 million
  • 2020: $24 million

Other Notable 2012 Tiger Salaries:

Potential 2012 MLB Free Agents

143501332_crop_650x440 October 14th, 2011

Prince Fielder (2011 salary: $15,500,000) &
Albert Pujols (2011 salary: $14,285,714)

Already linked as the biggest offseason splashes, a NLCS matchup now makes these two elite players the hottest free agent possibilities in years. Both have mammoth power, wonderful plate presence, excellent defensive 1st-base skills, and charming personalities to go with it all. With their current teams having major success in 2011, it’s really a crap shoot as to what the future holds.

 

Brandon Phillips (2011 salary: $11,437,500)

Though technically not a free agent, he holds a $12 million club option in 2012, with a $1 million buyout. It’s clear the Reds will be looking to make some changes as they recharge for a division run again. Phillips has been one of the most productive second-basemen in baseball over the past 5 years, and will be a hot commodity for many teams in need should the Reds buy him out.

 

Grady Sizemore (2011 salary: $7,500,000)

In similar fashion to Phillips, the Indians have an $8.5 million option on their long-time centerfielder, with a $500,000 buyout. Grady’s been injury prone, and hasn’t show his superstar form for many years, but at 29 the opportunity to return to form still exists. The Indians had underdog success for most of the 2011 campaign, and may only be a few pieces away, so taking the pricey risk on Grady may be worth it.

 

Roy Oswalt (2011 salary: $16,00,000)

The Phillies 4th best pitcher holds a $16 million mutual option with the team in 2012, and a $2 million buyout. Injuries and a lack of production in the 2011 season surely dropped his free agency weight to well under that number, so for matter of good business, look for Philadelphia to buy him out, let him test, and most likely bring him back at a cheaper rate.

Francisco Rodriguez (2011 salary: $12,166,667)

Now holds a $17.5 million mutual option with the Brewers, and a $3.5 million buyout. While he’s become a vital piece to Milwaukee’s series run in 2011, this is a huge number to pay a setup man. Rodriguez will most likely test this market as a closer, where he truly wants to be.

 

Aramis Ramirez (2011 salary: $14,600,000)

The Cubs have cleaned house upstairs, and following a miserable 2011 campaign, will look to do so in the locker room as well. Ramirez has been a consistent elite player for the Cubs, but his $16 million club option in 2012 doesn’t lend itself to a team in rebuilding mode. The Cubs will likely buy him out for $2 million, making Aramis one of the more intriguing names on the open market.

 

David Ortiz (2011 salary: $12,500,000)

The Red Sox melt down was ugly on and off the field, and the much humble and highly respected Ortiz has probably seen enough of the local drama. He becomes a free agent at the end of this year, and despite being 36, will be a viable asset to another American League lineup.

 

Jimmy Rollins (2011 salary: $8,500,000)

Like Ortiz, Rollins will be allowed to test the open market after spending many successful years with his team. The Phillies are loaded in contracts elsewhere, and will need to look younger and cheaper in their middle infield, starting with the departure of Rollins. He’ll be a veteran leader and a resurging bat in another lineup QUICKLY.

 

C.C. Sabathia (2011 salary: $24,285,174)

With the Yankees now out of the 2011 postseason, Sabathia has officially met his opt-out clause. With struggling 3-5 spots in their rotation, this is a nightmare in the Bronx, but it’s a nightmare that could and should come true. Sabathia has seen the vetera Yankees age quickly around him, and the lack of long-term production from the youth coming up. He’ll be a focal point for many rotations that need 1 big piece.

 

Jose Reyes (2011 salary: $11,000,000)

The sky is the limit for Reyes and his agent. One of the most dynamic, electrifying players in the game showed he could withstand a full year of battling through tough times in Queens, nagging injuries, and still put up 5-tool elite numbers, and a batting title (with an asterisk). He’s a great fit for the Mets, from franchise to ballpark – but the financials just may be too far off to come to terms. Look for another $100 million + deal this offseason.

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Why Justin Verlander IS the American League MVP

JustinVerlander357FEB24004_Detroit_Tigers_Spring_Training August 29th, 2011

It seems in the past decade, there have been a fair number of rumblings regarding a pitcher who has dominated so much that they deserve to be MVP. Some experts take a stance for it, most find a way to negate it. But this season, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander WILL BE the exception. Spotrac takes a look at why:

 
Wins
This is a no-brainer. He reached the 20-win mark fastest since 2002 (Curt Schilling). When Verlander pitches, the Tigers are 21-8. When he doesn’t, 53-52. Detroit is a .500 ball club without him on the mound. That puts them 3rd in the AL Central, and 5th in the wildcard race.

 
Innings
It goes without saying that a pitcher can be great in quality, but not in quantity. Like his cross-league counterpart Roy Halladay, this it not the case for Verlander. He leads the American League with 215 innings pitched currently – 10 more than second place C.C. Sabathia. Of the Top 5 american league leaders in innings, Verlander is an ERA of .6 lower than the other pitchers.

 
The True “Ace”
The biggest argument against pitchers not winning the MVP of a league, is that they aren’t every day players, and their role is limited. But Verlander’s greatness in 2011 hasn’t been impactful only on days he takes the mound. Manager Jim Leyland has been vocal throughout the year about his abilities to use his bullpen frivolously in games prior to and following Verlander’s scheduled start – knowing that Justin is good for 7-9 innings. He’s the one pitcher in the American League that can be considered a true “ace” – head and shoulders above the rest of his staff, and in turn alleviating the pressure off each and every pitcher and coach on the active roster.

Think if you can about a pitcher such as Cole Hamels being in the conversation for an MVP award. Hamels pitches 3rd-4th in the rotation for the dream-team Phillies staff, which means he generally faces a counterpart thrower of lesser ability. Hamels can sneak an average start by teams and still end up victorious on occassion – Verlander can almost never.

 
The Clean, and Barely Touched Sheets
Verlander hasn’t just been throwing strikes to induce balls in play that hopefully turn into outs – he’s been DOMINANT. He threw a near-perfect no-hitter on May 7th against Toronto. He carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning June 14th against Cleveland. He carried another into the 8th July 31st against Los Angeles – pitching against his CY Young competition in Jared Weaver. To date, he’s won his last 7 starts on the road – a Detroit record.

 

It isn’t an accident that we’re all discussing him in some fashion surrounding an award-winning season. The fact of the matter is that if MLB didn’t want a pitcher winning the MVP of a league, they’d remove them from eligibility. They haven’t and so here we are battling the line between good stats, and worthy pros & cons. In a season where the American League position player candidates haven’t established themselves with huge power numbers, or record breaking statistical threats – Verlander has. He’s turned 3 hour, 9 inning, well-pitched baseball games into must-see-tv. And in today’s age, that’s awful hard to do. To vote against Verlander in this category isn’t just to vote against a pitcher, but to discount the objectivity portion of the award, where marketability, excitement, and fan interest all come into play as well. Verlander’s scheduled starts have become a commodity – and for Detroit, they’ve become the only reason to think postseason.

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Pujols, Cardinals on Trial

June 21st, 2011

Life without Albert Pujols in St. Louis may have started a few months early, and it may be just what the doctor ordered. Now diagnosed as a fracture of the distal tip in the left radius of his wrist, Pujols is set to be out of the lineup for at least 6 weeks. With the Cardinals currently a half game ahead of Milwaukee and just 2.5 games ahead of Cincinnati in the NL Central, the true test of this franchise’s current makeup has started.
Many, including presumably the Cardinals themselves, have written Pujols out of town following the 2011 season, and the next 6 weeks will reveal just how the team can hold up without #5 in their lineup, and in their infield. Comeback Player of the Year shoe-in Lance Berkman will take over the reigns at first base, and Matt Hollidayreturns to a lineup that will rely on him to produce power numbers now.

The result of this DL stint for Pujols will sway the leverage pendulum in someone’s favor: If the Cardinals can maintain their lead, and find a way to produce power, St. Louis will hold more cards in negotiating with their star. If the Cardinals nosedive over this time span though, Pujols and his agent will garner even more playing power come free agency. Only time will tell.

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Top MLB Free Agents, 2011-2012

June 11th, 2011

The 2011 MLB season may be in full swing, but it’s hard not to look ahead to an offseason full of superstar free agents

Spotrac takes a look at the Top 5 free agents for the 2011-2012 offseason, possible suitors, and whether their current teams should consider re-signing.

Albert Pujols (1B, St. Louis Cardinals)

Current Contract: 7 years, $100 million.
2010 Salary: $14.5 million

Sir Albert has shut the door on negotiations with St. Louis while the season is in play, and the minimal talks prior to year showed no indication that the two sides were nearing a deal. Pujols’ camp has made note of wanting a contract somewhere in the 10 year $300 million range. His age (31) isn’t an issue now, but it factors heavily into a long-term deal.The reality is Pujols got off to one of the slowest starts of his career. And though he’s since picked up usual form, the recent $100 million offseason signings just don’t seem to be holding up their worth. We fully expect Albert to test the market this winter, and at least set a bar for the Cardinals to work with ..

Possible Suitors
Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers.

St. Louis Should
Re-sign Albert at a more than fair, heavily incentive based contract. 

I mean – he’s Albert Pujols.

David Ortiz (DH, Boston Red Sox)

Current Contract: 4 years, $52 million
2010 Salary: $12.5 million

Talk about a comeback at the right time, Ortiz is leading the Red Sox in every power category, once again supplanting himself in the heart of this Boston lineup. “Big Papi” is 35 years old, and now a full-time DH, but all signs point to him staying productive in this role for a good few years. He’ll need to face reality and expect less money than his current contract averages. It’ll be interesting to see if teams other than Boston will take a chance on a more formidable offer for Ortiz.

Possible Suitors
Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners

Boston Should
Keep this marriage intact. Papi has clearly accepted this modified role at his age, especially since the signing of Adrian Gonzalez.

Jose Reyes (SS, New York Mets)

Current Contract: 4 years, $23.25 million
2010 Salary: $11 million

Arguably the most exciting player in MLB already this season, He leads the National League in wins above replacement, hits and triples. He could be leading in batting average, doubles, steals, runs and extra-base hits. Reyes has sparked, and in many cases led, a young Mets’ squad just filling in holes left by injuries and voided contracts. In many regards, this might be the perfect situation for Jose this season – a team with very little expectations, full of energetic youth. So far he’s been able to quiet his doubters (including Met’s owner Fred Wilpon), and generate a buzz around Queens and the rest of the league that may make him the most sought after free agent this offseason.

Possible Suitors
San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees

New York Should
Do everything in their power to trade Jose mid-season for maximum value in return. They’ll need to sell the league on the idea that they can and will re-sign the franchise shortstop should a trade not happen. The reality is without a trade, there’s a horrible chance the Mets can and will keep Reyes in Queens.

Jimmy Rollins (SS, Philadelphia Phillies)

Current Contract: 5 years, $140 million
2010 Salary: $8.5 million

Highly overshadowed by the pending free agency of NL East counterpart Jose Reyes, Rollins’ expiring contract may be just as important. There’s no question his numbers are down, and is prone to injury is up – way up. Philadelphia doesn’t currently have shortstop-in-waiting in their system, and for a team amidst a long span of contending years, this certainly does seem strange. They’ve given long term deals to Howard, Lee, Hallady, and Utley – it only seems logical that Rollins and the Phillies will quietly make a nice-fitting deal happen.

Possible Suitors
Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals

Philadelphia Should
Let this season play out, ensuring that Rollins can continue to stay healthy and productive-enough on both sides of the game. If so, a two year deal to stay put seems sufficient.

Prince Fielder (1B, Milwaukee Brewers)

Current Contract: 1 year, $15.5 million
2010 Salary: $15.5 million

The big man in brew-town has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the game over the past 6 seasons. His inability to work out a long term deal (offered 5 years $100 million) this past offseason with Milwaukee indicates bad news for one getting done this year. The Brewers invested heavily in Ryan Braun last month, which may have been the last straw for Prince. Many experts are knocking the 1st baseman for his inability to improve his physique, stating that many players of his caliber and weight have broken down very quickly due to their health. This being said, Fielder will be a commodity this winter, especially for teams with a DH in need.

Possible Suitors
Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays

Milwaukee Should
Start putting Prince Fielder jerseys on the clearance racks. He’s all but gone. Fielder may be higher on some team’s lists than Sir Albert by the time winter comes around.

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MLB Futures: Liriano, Superstar Deals, and Big Spenders

May 16th, 2011

Spotrac MLB experts discuss the future of Francisco Liriano, the impact on some of the major offseason blockbuster deals, and the teams that should be big spenders heading into the 2011 offseason. Check out the complete interview at Fantasy Baseball Hot Stove

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Top MLB 2011 Salaries Per Team

April 21st, 2011

Arizona Diamondbacks : Kelly Johnson ($5.8 million)
Atlanta Braves:  Derek Lowe ($15 million)
Baltimore Orioles: Nick Markakis ($10.6 million)
Boston Red Sox: Josh Beckett ($17 million)
Chicago Cubs: Alfonso Soriano ($19 million)
Chicago White Sox: Jake Peavy ($16 million)
Cincinnati Reds: Francisco Cordero ($12.125 million)
Cleveland Indians: Travis Hafner ($13 million)
Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton ($20.275 million)
Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera ($20 million)
Florida Marlins: Hanley Ramirez ($11 million)
Houston Astros: Carlos Lee ($19 million)
Kansas City Royals: Joakim Soria ($4 million)
Los Angeles Angels: Vernon Wells ($26,187,500)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Rafael Furcal ($13 million)
Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Fielder ($15.5 million)
Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer ($23 million)
New York Mets: Johan Santana ($21,644,707)
New York Yankees:  Alex Rodriguez ($32 million)
Oakland Athletics: Mark Ellis, David DeJesus, Josh Willingham ($6 million)
Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard ($20 million)
Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Maholm ($5.75 million)
San Diego Padres: Heath Bell ($7.5 million)
San Francisco Giants: Barry Zito ($18.5 million)
Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki ($18 million)
St. Louis Cardinals: Matt Holiday ($16,317,774)
Tampa Bay Rays: Johnny Damon ($5.25 million)
Texas Rangers: Michael Young ($16,174,974)
Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista ($8 million)
Washington Nationals:  Jayson Werth ($10,571,428)

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Boston Vs. Toronto: Depth Chart by Salary

April 18th, 2011

This week’s AL East matchup has Boston climbing from the basement. Spotrac breaks down the two teams by position and salary. Was it worth it Red Sox nation?

Boston (5th Place)
Position Player Salary
Catcher Jason Varitek 2,000,000
1st Base Adrian Gonzalez 6,500,000
2nd Base Dustin Pedroia 5,750,000
Shortstop Jed Lowrie 450,000
3rd Base Kevin Youkilis 12,250,000
Left Field Carl Crawford 14,857,142
Center Field Jacoby Ellsbury 2,400,000
Right Field J.D. Drew 14,000,000
Toronto (2nd Place)
Player Salary
J.P. Arencibia 417,400
Adam Lind 5,000,000
Aaron Hill 5,000,000
Yunel Escobar 2,900,000
Jayson Nix 438,100
Travis Snider 435,800
Corey Patterson 900,000
Jose Bautista 8,000,000

Baltimore Orioles 2011 Preview

March 14th, 2011


Respect tends to be the appropriate word for the Baltimore Orioles as the 2011 season approaches. For a team who’s been overpowered, overshadowed, and just plain bad for the better part of a decade in the AL East, offseason moves will at least generate a bit of morale. Buck Showalter enters his first full season with the O’s, a team he energized when taking over the reigns mid-2010. With him comes veteran acquisitions who, like most in their division, are overpaid. Vladimir Guerrero brings a 1 year $8 million contract to a team, with very little to offer defensively. Similarly, Baltimore signed free agent 1st baseman Derek Lee to a 1 year $7.25 million deal. Lee brings an aging body, and an injured one as well.  Add these veteran sticks to an Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott lineup, and the roster has potential to produce this season. The rotation is soft though, consisting of 4 or 5 pitchers up and down. Kevin Gregg has been brought in to shut the door at a hefty price, but that’s a bainaid applied to a grossly bleeding staff.

Key Departures
Kevin Millwood, Corey Patterson, Ty Wigginton
Maybe less is more here. Millwood is drawing mild interest, and most likely will be a late sign for a playoff contender. Patterson heads north to division rival Toronto, supplanting a spot in a less productive lineup. Wigginton may be the toughest loss, as an underrated consistent bat, and all over the diamond defensive reliability. He’ll get plenty of playing time on a Colorado team already dealing with bumps and bruises.

Key Arrivals
Derek Lee, Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Gregg, J.J. Hardy
Lee is already banged up, status in question. Guerrero’s offseason was a headache, and because of it he’ll have more pressure to produce with the long ball. Reynolds has gone slightly under the radar coming off a horrible 2010 season. He has a chance to regain big power numbers in a lineup that will allow him to see pitches.

Spotrac Outlook
Aging veteran bats, a surplus of strikeouts, and average at best defense generally doesn’t bode well as successful additions to a team. But the Orioles may just end up with a nice mix of experienced power, versatile youth, and humble egos. The starting rotation is an absolute crapshoot. It’s safer to predict that a decent bullpen may bail out this team for a few wins throughout this season. All this considered, the Orioles enter yet another season looking up to the giants that are New York and Boston. They’ll be good enough to be relevant this year though, competing nicely with other division foes Tampa and Toronto.

AL East Prediction: 3rd Place

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