With the recent signings of free agents shortstop Derek Jeter (three years, $51 million guaranteed) and right fielder Jayson Werth (seven years, $126 million), I find myself scratching my head.
How is it that a 36-year-old shortstop, albeit a future Hall of Famer can receive a contract worth $17 million per season, and could reach a maximum of $65 million over four years? Have the Yankees not watched him for the past couple seasons?
Jeter hit a ridiculously low .270 this season with a measly 10 home runs and 67 RBI. I understand that he’s a winner, and I understand that he is the heart and soul of the New York Yankees. Needlees to say, he’s the “Captain!”
However, I don’t see how rewarding him with a $17 million-a-year contract for past play makes any sense. In a year in which the Yankees could have repeated as World Series champs, they need to fortify their rotation this offseason, not the offensive has-beens.
Jayson Werth, on the other hand, received a seven-year contract right before his 32nd birthday. The Nationals were finally making strides and developing their young players, when they make a bone-headed move like this.
Werth hit .296 with 27 homers and 85 RBI. Instead of solidifying their lineup with an established power hitter with a good on-base percentage, they go the route of an unproven hitter.
If you didn’t know, Citizens Bank Park is very hitter friendly, nor did it hurt that he was protected in the lineup by the likes of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Now let’s see how he fares.
Now that I got that off my chest, to the purpose of this article. Let’s pretend Babe Ruth is a 29-year-old slugger coming off a career year. And we know everything he’s going to do for the remainder of his career: 714 home runs, one of the greatest players of all time. How much money does Ruth command?
At a time when he played for beer and peanuts, what would he get during this day and age? Maybe $35-$40 million per year?
It’s ridiculous when you think about it. But that’s what the MLB is coming down too. Alex Rodriguez makes $27.5 million per year. Would you take him over Babe Ruth? Or Ted Williams? Or Willie Mays? I doubt it.
So does that mean $40-50 million per year for those guys? More so than the entire Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals roster? Incredible.
The overall increase in players’ salaries is startling and absurd. The players are getting more greedy. The owners are getting more greedy. And we, as the fans of the game, are getting hurt the most. People won’t be able to afford $300 tickets for bleacher seats. Or $20 for a hot dog. So stop now while you’re still ahead.
Instill a salary cap. Provide non-guaranteed contracts. Make the game mean something. I’m tired of rooting for different players every year on my favorite team. It’s not right.
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