An agent’s primary job is to get his client, in this case an MLB player, the most money he can. And one MLB agent in particular stands head and shoulders above the rest—Scott Boras.
On Thursday afternoon, in a packed press conference at Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers officially introduced their newest acquisition, prized free agent first baseman Prince Fielder.
Fielder, who with the help of Boras inked a nine-year, $214 million deal in the city his father previously called home, will make $23 million annually for the first two years of the deal and $24 million for the final seven.
Before everyone starts decrying how free agents and ridiculous contracts are ruining baseball, let’s not forget the simple law of economics—supply vs. demand.
With a short supply of top-tier players and a high demand from teams coveting those players, the price remains high. It really is that simple.
However, that doesn’t change the fact that fans, pundits, experts, analysts and others will view deals like the one signed by Fielder as ridiculous in nature.
Here is a list of contracts signed by Scott Boras clients that may be viewed as particularly egregious.