Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers: 2013 salary: $23 million
Prince Fielder is truly from baseball royalty. The 28 year old player is the son of former Major League slugger, Cecil Fielder. The 2012 Home Run Derby champion, signed the largest contract in Detroit Tigers history and has the distinction of winning both the National and American League Home Run Derby. He and Ken Griffey, Jr. are the only players to win multiple Derbies. Prince and Cecil Fielder are the only father-son combination to each hit 50 MLB home runs in a season. Now, all Prince has to do to separate himself from his father is to win a World Series title.
(Image: File)
Johan Santana, New York Mets: 2013 Salary: $25.5 Million
Another top earner on the list starting his season on the disabled list. The former Minnesota Twin (2000-2007) is a four time All-Star and has won the Cy Young Award two times before joining the Mets and the money was justified because of his early success. Before pitching his classic no-hitter last year (first ever for the Mets), he didn't pitch in the majors in 2011 because of a shoulder injury. The 34 year old left-hander just underwent surgery yesterday and is expected to miss the entire season for the second time in 3 years. Many Mets fans are now wishing the contract was off their books.more
Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies: 2013 salary: $25 Million
Cliff Lee won the 2008 American League Cy Young Award while he was a member of the Cleveland Indians. He is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies for a second stint after being traded there initially in 2009, where he pitched a complete game against the New York Yankees in the World Series.
He signed a free agent contract with the Phillies for $120 Million for 5 years after turning down the Yankees’ seven-year offer for $148 million. You wonder if the Phillies now regret that deal after his performance last season.more
Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees: 2013 Salary: $23.1 million
Maybe making more than $20 million in salary causes injuries, as Mark 'Tex' Texeira suffered a wrist injury while participating in the World Baseball Classic prior to the new season. Teixeira is a five time Gold Glove winner and he has also won three Silver Slugger Awards. The New York Yankee also holds the all-time major league record for most games with a home run from both sides of the plate, with 13.
But, during his Yankee tenure, he's been criticized for disappearing when it counts, in addition to his countless injuries.more
CC Sabathia, New York Yankees: 2013 Salary: $23 million
It's no wonder living in New York City is so expensive. CC rounds out the top five salary earners by being number 4 from New York. But, at least he isn't injured. Although, on October 25, 2012, he underwent arthroscopic surgery in his left elbow to remove a bone spur it didn't keep him from pitching (and losing) the 2013 Opening Day game for the New York Yankees. When he signed his most recent contract (which had an opt-out clause but he chose not to exercise it) in 2008, it was the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history. He's considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, but can he carry the depleted Yankees in 2013?more
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins: 2013 salary: $23 million
The Minnesota Twins player is the only catcher in MLB history to win three batting titles. His trophy case is already full as he has won three consecutive Gold Glove awards (2008–2010) and the 2009 American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His 2013 has gotten off to a great start! After playing in the World Baseball Classic for the first time, it was just announced that the Twins catcher, is, well, having twins with his wife, who he recently married in December. What would probably make him and Twins fans just as happy is a World Series title.more
Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers: 2013 salary: $23 million
Prince Fielder is truly from baseball royalty. The 28 year old player is the son of former Major League slugger, Cecil Fielder. The 2012 Home Run Derby champion, signed the largest contract in Detroit Tigers history and has the distinction of winning both the National and American League Home Run Derby. He and Ken Griffey, Jr. are the only players to win multiple Derbies. Prince and Cecil Fielder are the only father-son combination to each hit 50 MLB home runs in a season. Now, all Prince has to do to separate himself from his father is to win a World Series title. more
Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants: 2013 Salary $22.2 million
The four time All-Star is also a two time Cy Young Award winning pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. He has also won the Babe Ruth Award (for having the best postseason) and was a member of the 2010 and 2012 World Series Championship team. Lincecum signed a two-year, $40.5 million deal with the Giants in 2012 which means he will be a free agent, once again, after this season. He turned down a five-year, $100 million extension. Lincecum has struggled in the last few years and many wonder whether he will regain his past form.more
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers: 2013 Salary: $21 million
The American League's Most Valuable Player was also named the Sporting News Player of the Year and was awarded the AL Hank Aaron Award. Cabrera won the Triple Crown, finishing the season with 44 home runs, 139 RBIs and a .330 batting average. He became the first batter to win the Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967, but struck out in the last game of the World Series to end the series. In 2008, the eight-year, $185.3 million contract extension he signed, was the largest in Tigers history before Fielder's current contract was signed. The question now is if he can have a similar season as last year.more
Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers: 2013 Salary- $21 million
Gonzalez is a four time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a former Boston Red Sox member, he signed a seven-year contract extension worth $154 million through the 2018 season before being traded to the Dodgers. Adrian played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic and helped beat Team USA. He is looked upon as an important piece in the Dodgers' quest for a World Series appearance and title.more