MLB's Average Salaries By Position

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 11, 2008

MLB's Average Salaries By Position

Designated Hitters

High-priced veterans such as the Yankees' Jason Giambi ($23.4 million) and the White Sox's Jim Thome ($15.7 million) drive up the price at a position where only three of 11 players make less than $1 million.

First Basemen

National League clubs looking for power without a DH make up eight of the 10 highest-paid first basemen. Nine of those make more than $10 million, with Colorado's Todd Helton leading the way at $16.6 million.

Third Basemen

The second-highest paid third baseman, Chicago's Aramis Ramirez ($15 million), is still $13 million behind Alex Rodriguez's $28 million salary. Seven of the 10 highest-paid players on the hot corner come from the AL (Ramirez, Chipper Jones, and Troy Glaus) play in the NL.

Outfielders

Manny Ramirez is the highest-paid outfielder ($18.9 million), and the highest-paid player in the league not wearing Yankee pinstripes (behind Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, and Derek Jeter). The Red Sox (Ramirez and J.D. Drew) and Angels (Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero) each have two players among the top 10 highest-paid outfielders.

Shortstops

The Tigers ended up with the fourth- and sixth-highest-paid shortstops after signing Edgar Renteria last year (Carlos Guillen changed positions). Derek Jeter leads all shortstops at $21.6 million.

Pitchers

Mike Hampton, Tim Hudson, and John Smoltz give the Braves three of the 10 highest-paid pitchers. Smoltz, along with Mariano Rivera, is one of only two relievers in the top 10 among pitchers. More pitchers (eight) make more than $15 million than any other position (outfield is next with seven). Mets ace Johan Santana leads the way at $17 million.

Second Basemen

The only position without a player making more than $10 million, Jeff Kent ($9 million) leads seven NL second basemen in the top 10. Chase Utley and Ray Durham follow with $7.8 and $7.5 million, respectively.

Catchers

Jorge Posada ($13.1 million), Ivan Rodriguez ($12.4 million), and Jason Varitek ($10.4 million) are the only catcher's in baseball's lowest-paid position to make more than $10 million.