Notable historical salaries

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Unofficial historical contract information collected from various books and publications.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson lhp
Montreal 1988-89, Seattle 1989-98, Houston 1998
Arizona 1999-2004 & 2007-08, NY Yankees 2005-06,
San Francisco 2009

  • 1 year/$8M (2009)
    • signed by San Francisco as a free agent 12/26/08
    • $2.5M in performance bonuses, $2.5M in award bonuses
    • retired 1/5/10
  • 2 years/$26M (2007-08)
    • signed extension 1/07 as part of trade from Yankees to Arizona
    • $12M signing bonus ($3.5M in 2007, $0.5M in 2008, $4M each in 2009-10) (no interest)
    • 07:$4M, 08:$10M (Yankees to pay $2M of 2007 salary)
  • 2 years/$32M (2006-07)
    • signed extension 1/05, facilitating trade to Yankees
    • 06:$16M, 07:$16M ($1.5M each year deferred at 0% interest)
    • $9M in deferred salaries (05-07) to be paid $3.5M each in 2008 & 2009, $2M in 2010
    • full no-trade clause
    • Arizona remains responsible for $1M personal services contract
    • 2005 in performance bonuses remain ($1M Cy Young, $0.15M 2nd, $0.1M 3-5; $0.25M MVP, $0.15M 2nd, $0.1M 3-5; $0.1M WS MVP; $50,000 All Star, Gold Glove, LCS MVP)
  • 2 years/$33M (2004-05)
    • 04:$16M ($6M deferred at 2%)
    • 05:$16M ($6M deferred, restructured to reduce interest rate from 2% to 0%)
    • acquired by NY Yankees in trade from Arizona 1/05
  • 4 years/$53.4M (1999-2002), plus 2003 option (Arizona)

    • $5M signing bonus
    • 99:$7.35M, 00:$12.35M, 01:$12.35M, 02:$12.35M, 03:$12M option ($1M buyout) (option picked up 3/01)
    • 2003 salary increased by $3M with 2002 Cy Young
    • $6M/year 1999-2000 deferred
    • $8M/year 2001-03 deferred at 6% interest
  • 4 years/$20.25M (1994-97), plus 1998 club option (Seattle)
    • signed 12/10/93
    • $1.1M signing bonus
    • 94:$3M, 95:$4.15M, 96:$5.75M, 97:$6M, 98:$6M ($0.25M buyout)
    • acquired by Houston in trade from Seattle 7/31/98 (Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen)
  • 1 year/$2.625M (1993)
    • re-signed 2/16/93 (avoided arbitration, $3.2M-$2.05M)
  • 1 year/$1.3925M (1992)
  • 1 year/$0.35M (1991)
  • 1 year/$0.15M (1990)
  • 1 year/$70,000 (1989)
    • acquired by Seattle in trade from Montreal 5/25/89 (Mark Langston deal)
  • drafted by Montreal 1985 (2-86) (USC), $60,000 signing bonus
  • drafted by Atlanta 1982 (4-89) (Livermore HS, Calif.) (did not sign)
  • agents: Alan Nero, Barry Meister
  • ML service: 21.020


Atlanta Braves
Milwaukee Braves

Henry Aaronof
Milwaukee Braves 1954-1965, Atlanta 1966-74,
Milwaukee Brewers 1975-76

  • 1975:$250,000
  • 3 years/$600,000 (1972-74)
  • 2 years/$250,000 (1970-71)
  • 2 years/$200,000 (1967-68)
  • 1 year/$70,000 (1965)
  • 1 year/$60,000 (1964)
  • 1 year/$50,000 (1962)
  • 1 year/$35,000 (1959)
  • 1 year/$22,500 (1957)
  • 1 year/$5,000 (1954)
  • 1952: $200 per month with Indianapolis Clowns


Bobby Cox Manager
1 year (2006), plus extensions through 2010

  • 1 year (2006), plus extension through 2009
    • signed extension through 2007 with Atlanta 3/06
    • signed extension through 2008 with Atlanta 4/07 (salary of about $3M)
    • signed extension through 2009 with Atlanta 5/23/08 (salary of about $3M)
    • signed extension through 2010 with Atlanta 9/23/09
  • 1 year (2004), plus 2005 club option

    • signed extension 3/03 (expected to pay about $1.5M-$2M/year)
    • club exercised 2005 option worth about $2.6M 4/04
  • 2 years (1998-99), plus 2000 club option

    • signed extension 6/14/96
  • 2 years (1996-97), signed extension 7/22/95
  • 2 years/$0.7M (1994-95)
    • signed extension paying more than $0.35M annually 12/19/92
  • assumed managerial duties 6/1990, giving up GM post after 1990 season
  • 5 years/$2.25M (1986-90)
    • hired as Atlanta GM 10/23/85
    • at signing, most lucrative contract ever given a GM
  • Toronto, 1982-85
    • 1 year (1985), signed extension 9/28/84
    • 1 year (1984)
    • 1 year (1983), signed extension 9/1/82
    • 1 year (1982), hired 10/16/1981
  • Atlanta, 1978-81
  • agent: CS & E (Career Sports & Entertainment)

Tom Glavine lhp
1 year/$1M (2009)

  • 1 year/$1M (2009)

    • re-signed by Atlanta as a free agent 2/19/09
    • $3.5M in roster bonuses: $1M for making active roster, $1.25M each for 30, 60 days on active roster
    • large portion on bonuses earned may be deferred for up to 5 years
    • released by Atlanta 6/3/09
    • retired 2/10
  • 1 year/$8M (2008)

    • signed by Atlanta as a free agent 11/19/07
    • perks: suite on road
  • 1 year/$10.5M (2007), plus 2008 player option

    • re-signed as a free agent 11/06
    • 07:$7.5M, 08:$9M player option ($3M buyout)
    • full no-trade clause
    • Glavine declined $13M 2008 player option 10/5/07
    • 2008 player option:
      • guaranteed with 160 IP in 2007
      • additional $1M (up to $13M) for each additional 10 IP in 2007
      • may be declined by Glavine if it becomes guaranteed
  • 1 year/$10.5M (2006), plus 2007 option
    • Glavine & Mets each declined options 11/06
    • contract restructured 5/06:
      • reducing 2006 salary to $7.5M ($5.25M deferred at 6% int)
      • adding 2007 option ($7.5M player, $14M club)
      • $5.5M 2007 player option ($3M buyout)
        (increases by $1M each for 180, 190 & 200 IP in 2006)
      • $12M 2007 club option ($3M buyout)
        (increases by $2M with 180 IP in 2006)
      • performance bonuses may increase 2007 salary to $14M
  • 3 years/$35M (2003-05), plus 2006 option ($2M buyout)

    • 03:$11M, 04:$10.5M, 05:$10.5M, 06:$6.5M mutual option
    • 2006 option becomes guaranteed at:
      • $10.5M with 600 IP 03-05 or 200 IP 2005
      • $9M & $1.5M in bonuses with 580-600 IP 03-05 or 200 IP 05
      • $8M & $2.5M in bonuses with 560-600 IP 03-05 or 200 IP 05
        • option vested at $10.5M ($5.25M deferred at 6% int)
      • absent vesting, 06 option is mutual, for $6.5M, $4M in incts
    • no-trade clause
    • $50,000 All Star award bonus
    • signed as a free agent 11/02
  • 4 years/$34M (1998-2001), plus $8M 2002 club option
    • 2002 option vests with 445 IP (2000-01) or 228 IP (01)
    • signed 5/97
  • 4 years/$20.5M (1993-1996), plus $5M 1997 option

    • $1M signing bonus
    • 93:$4.5M, 94:$4.5M, 95:$4.5M, 96:5M, 97$5M option ($1M buyout)
    • signed 12/92
  • 1 year/$2.975M (1992)
  • drafted 1984 (2-47), $85,000 signing bonus
  • agent: Gregg Clifton
  • ML service: 21.052


Greg Maddux rhp
Chicago Cubs 1986-92 & 2004-06, Atlanta 1993-2003
LA Dodgers 2006 & 2008, San Diego 2007-08

  • 1 year/$10M (2008)

    • re-signed by San Diego 11/19/07
    • no-trade protection
    • award bonuses: $0.1M for Cy Young ($50,000 for 2nd, $25,000 for 3rd); $0.1M for MVP ($50,000 for 2nd, $25,000 for 3rd); $0.1M for WS MVP; $50,000 each for All Star selection, Gold Glove or LCS MVP; $25,000 for Silver Slugger
    • perks: suite on road, membership at Del Mar Country Club
    • acquired by LA Dodgers in trade sterilization disinfection from San Diego 8/19/08
  • 1 year/$10M (2007), plus 2008 options

    • signed as a free agent 12/06
    • 07:$10M, 08:$6M player option or $11M club option
    • 2008 player option may increase to: $7.5M with 170 IP in 2007; $8.75M with 185 IP in 2007; or $10M with 200 IP in 2007
    • no-trade protection
    • award bonuses: $0.1M for Cy Young ($50,000 for 2nd, $25,000 for 3rd); $0.1M for MVP ($50,000 for 2nd, $25,000 for 3rd); $0.1M for WS MVP; $50,000 each for All Star selection, Gold Glove or LCS MVP; $25,000 for Silver Slugger
    • perks: suite on road, membership at Del Mar Country Club
  • 3 years/$24M (2004-06) (Chicago Cubs)

    • acquired in trade 7/06 (Cubs paying Dodgers $2M as part of deal)
    • 04:$6M, 05:$9M, 06:$9M
    • club may void 2006 if Maddux does not post 400 IP 04-05
    • signed as a free agent 3/04
  • 1 year/$14.75M (2003), avoided arbitration 2/03 ($16M-$13.5M)
  • 5 years/$57.5M (1998-2002)
    • $3M signing bonus
    • 98:$9M, 99:$10M, 00:$10.5M, 01:$12.5M, 02:$12.5M
    • signed 8/97
  • 5 years/$28M (1993-97) (Atlanta)

    • $5.6M/year average was a record at time of signing
    • signed as a free agent 12/92
  • 1 year/$4.2M (1992) (Chicago Cubs)

    • avoided arbitration 1/92 ($4.4M-$3.65M)
  • signed extension through 1991 season 4/90 (paying $2.425M in 1991)
  • 1 year/$82,500 (1988), signed 2/88
  • agent: Scott Boras
  • drafted 1984 (2-31)
  • ML service: 21.021 (through 2007)

Eddie Mathews3b
Boston Braves 1952, Milwaukee Braves 1953-1965
Atlanta Braves 1966-67, Houston Astros 1967, Detroit Tigers 1967-68

  • 1 year/$50,000 (1959)

John Smoltz rhp
Atlanta 1988-2008, Boston 2009, St. Louis 2009

  • 1 year/$0.4M (2009)
    • signed by St. Louis as a free agent 8/19/09 (Smoltz to earn pro-rated share of $0.4M Major League minimum, or about $102,732)
    • post-season award bonuses
  • 1 year/$5.5M (2009)
    • signed by Boston as a free agent 1/13/09
    • $5.5M in bonuses based on days on active 25-man roster:

      • $125,000 for his first day
      • $ 35,000 per day, June 1 – Oct. 3
      • $500,000 for Oct. 4
    • award bonuses
    • $0.5M assignment bonus if traded
    • DFA by Boston 8/7/09, released 8/17/09
  • 1 year/$14M (2008), plus 2009 & 2010 club options
    • signed extension with Atlanta 4/07
    • 08:$14M, 09:$12M option, 10: club option
    • 2009 option guaranteed with 200 IP in 2008
    • 2010 option: $13M (200 IP in ’09) or $12M (less than 200 IP in ’09)
  • 2 years/$20M (2005-06), plus 2007 club option
    • signed extension with Atlanta 12/04
    • $6M signing bonus
    • 05:$6M, 06:$8M, 07:$8M club option
    • no-trade clause
    • Atlanta exercised $8M 2007 option 9/06
  • 3 years/$30M (2002-04) plus $12M 2005 club option
    • performance bonus of $0.1M/GS
  • 4 years/$31M (1997-2000)
    • 97:$7M, 98:$7.75M, 99:$7.75M, 00:$8.5M
    • $0.25M bonus with 2 Cy Young awards 1997-2000
    • signed 11/96 (highest-paid pitcher at signing)
  • agent: Lonnie Cooper, Career Sports & Entertainment
  • ML service: 21.072 (through 2009)

Baltimore Orioles
St. Louis Browns

Eddie Murray 1b
Baltimore Orioles 1977-1988 & 1996, Los Angeles 1989-1991 & 1997
New York Mets 1992-93, Cleveland 1994-96, Anaheim 1997

  • 6 years/$13.2M (1986-91)


Mike Mussina rhp
Baltimore 1991-2000, NY Yankees 2001-08

  • 2 years/$23M (2007-08)
    • re-signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 11/06
    • $1M signing bonus
    • 07:$11M, 08:$11M
    • no-trade protection
    • $3M annually deferred without interest
    • retired 11/08
  • 6 years/$88.5M (2001-06), plus 2007 club option
    • signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/00
    • $12M signing bonus (paid over 6 years)
    • 01:$8M, 02:$9M, 03:$10M, 04:$14M, 05:$17M, 06:$17M, 07:$17M club option ($1.5M buyout)
    • no-trade clause
    • Yankees declined $17M 2007 option
  • 3 years (1998-2000)
    • signed extension with Baltimore 5/97
  • 1 year/$6.825M (1997)
    • re-signed by Baltimore 2/97
  • 1 year/$0.775M (1994)
  • 1 year/$0.45M (1993)
  • 1 year/$0.1525M (1992)
  • drafted 1990 (1-20) (Stanford)
  • drafted 1987 (11-272) (Montoursville HS, Pa.)
  • agent: Arn Tellum
  • ML service: 17.066 (through 2008)


Cal Ripken Jr. ss-3b
Baltimore 1981-2001

  • 1 year/$6.3M (2001)
  • 2 years/$15.1M (1998-99), plus $6.3M 2000 option
  • 5 years/$30.5M (1993-97), re-signed 8/92
    • $3M signing bonus (paid in installments, 1993-94)
    • 93:$4.5M, 94:$4.8M, 95:$6M, 96:$6M, 97:$6.2M
    • may accept front office job at $2M/year after retirement
    • 2nd most lucrative contract in history
  • 3 years/$6.3M (1989-91), plus $2.1M 1992 option
  • 1 year/$1.7M (1988)
  • 4 years/$4M (1984-87), re-signed 1/84
    • avoided arbitration ($0.85M-$0.7M)
  • 1 year/$0.175M (1983), plus bonuses
    • $15,000 in performance bonuses based on games
    • $25,000 in award bonuses (MVP)
  • drafted 1978 (2-48), $20,000 signing bonus
  • agent: Ron Shapiro
  • ML service:: 19.057 (through 2000)


George Sisler of
St. Louis Browns 1915-1927, Washington 1928, Boston Braves 1928-30

  • 1 year/$25,000 (1924) (as player-manager)

Boston Red Sox

Roger Clemens rhp
Boston 1984-96, Toronto 1997-98,
New York Yankees 1999-2003 & 2007, Houston 2004-06

  • 1 year/$28,000,022 (2007) (NY Yankees)

    • contract purchased 6/9/07
    • signed as a free agent 5/6/07 (minor-league contract)
    • to receive pro-rated portion of major-league salary after joining Yankees 6/9/07 (about $17.4M)
  • 1 year/$22,000,022 (2006) (Houston)
    • contract purchased 6/06
    • re-signed as free agent 5/06 (1 year/$0.322M minor-league deal)
    • received pro-rated portion of major-league salary ($12,262,294) after re-joining Astros 6/22/06
  • 1 year/$18M (2005) (Houston)

    • avoided arbitration 1/05 ($22M-$13.5M)
    • complete no-trade clause
    • $3M assignment bonus if Clemens waives no-trade clause
  • 1 year/$5M (2004) (Houston)
    • $3.5M of 2004 salary deferred for 2 years
    • bonuses: ($25,000 All Star, $1.4M attendance)
    • 10-year personal-services contract with Houston after retirement
    • signed as a free agent 1/ 04 (out of retirement)
  • 1 year/$10.1M (2003) (NY Yankees) (all deferred to 2004-2014)
    • $8.1M present value at signing – paid as follows: 04:$0.6M, 05:$0.7M, 06:$0.9M, 07-12:$0.95M/year, 13-14:$1.1M/year
    • “declined” 2003 player option, receiving $10.3M buyout
  • 2 years/$30.9M (2001-02), plus 2003 option (NY Yankees)

    • $5M bonus (paid 2001-02)
    • 01:$7.8M, 02:$7.8M, 03:$10.3M player option ($10.3M buyout), 04:$7.2M club option
    • signed extension 8/00
  • 3 years/$24.75M (1997-99), plus $8.1M 2000 club option (Toronto)

    • $2M signing bonus
    • 97:$5.5M, 98:$7.5M, 99:$8M, 00:$8.1M option ($1.75M buyout)
    • acquired by NY Yankees in trade (from Toronto) 2/99
    • side agreement (later invalidated by MLB) gave Clemens:
      • right to request a trade
      • right to approve team to which he is traded
      • right to request trade to Houston after any season during the life of the contract
  • 4 years/$21.521M (1992-95), plus 1996 option (Boston)

    • $0.621M signing bonus
    • 92:$4.4M, 93:$4.5M, 94:$5M, 95:$5.5M
    • Boston exercised $5.5M 1996 club option 3/93
    • 1996 option ($1.5M buyout):
      • $5.5M club option if exercised before ’93 season
      • $5.8M club option if exercised before ’94 season
      • $6M player option with
        • 220 IP in ’94 or ’95, OR
        • 1st, 2nd or 3rd in ’94 or ’95 Cy Young vote
    • first player to receive $5M/year
    • signed extension 2/91
  • 3 years/$7.5M (1989-1991)
    • $0.3M signing bonus
    • 89:$2.2M, 90:$2.5M, 91:$2.5M
    • award bonuses:
      • $0.1M each for Cy Young, MVP & WS MVP
      • $50,000 for LCS MVP
    • avoided arbitration 2/89 ($2.36M-$1.9M)
  • 2 years/$2M (1987-88), plus bonuses

    • 87:$0.65M, 88:$1.35M
    • signed 4/87, replacing 1 year/$0.4M contract for 1987 (Boston had unilaterally renewed Clemens’ contract when he walked out of training camp)
  • 1 year/$0.22M (1986), plus $0.12M in bonuses
  • 1 year/$0.14M (1985)
  • drafted:
    • 1983 (1-19) (Boston), $121,000 signing bonus
    • 1981 (12-288) (NY Mets) (did not sign)
  • agents: Hendricks brothers
  • ML service: 23.014


Carlton Fiskc
Boston 1969, 1971-1979
Chicago White Sox 1980-93

  • drafted 1967 (1-4) (New Hampshire), $10,000 signing bonus


Pedro Martinez rhp
LA Dodgers 1992-93, Montreal 1994-97,
Boston 1998-2004, NY Mets 2005-08, Philadelphia 2009

  • 1 year/$2M (2009)
    • signed by Philadelphia as a free agent 7/14/09 (pro-rated for final 82 days of season)
    • performance bonuses:
      • $75,000 for 50 IP, $0.125M for 75 IP, $0.175M for 100 IP
      • $75,000 each for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 starts; $0.1M for 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 starts
      • $50,000 each for 10, 15, 20, 25 relief appearances
    • roster bonuses: $50,000 each for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 days on active roster
    • award bonus: $0.1M for NL Comeback Player of the Year
    • retired 12/11
  • 4 years/$53M (2005-08)
    • signed by NY Mets as a free agent 12/04
    • $3.5M signing bonus (paid 05-08)
    • 05:$10M, 06:$14M, 07:$14M, 08:$11M
    • $10M of 06-08 salaries deferred at 5% interest
    • no-trade clause
  • 6 years/$75M (1998-2003), plus 2004 club option
    • signed extension with Boston 12/97 ($12.5M average annual value was highest in baseball at signing)
    • $3M signing bonus (paid $0.5M/year, 98-03)
    • 98:$7M, 99:$10.5M, 00:$11M, 01:$12.5M, 02:$13.5M,
    • 03:$15M club option (picked up 3/01)
    • 04:$17.5M club option ($2.5M buyout)
    • Cy Young award bonus
    • Boston exercised 2004 option 4/03
  • 1 year/$3.5M (1997)
    • re-signed by Montreal 1/97 (avoided arbitration, $3.9M-$3.1M)
    • acquired by Boston in trade from Montreal 11/97
  • 1 year/$0.315M (1996)
    • renewed by Montreal 2/96
  • 1 year/$0.27M (1995)
    • re-signed by Montreal 2/95
  • 1 year/$0.2M (1994)
    • signed by Montreal 2/93
  • 1 year/$0.119M (1993)
    • re-signed by LA Dodgers 2/93
    • acquired by Montreal in trade from LA Dodgers 11/93
  • signed 1988 by LA Dodgers as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic
  • agent: Fern Cuza, SFX (previously Jim Bronner and Bob Gilhooley)
  • ML service: 16.107


Johnny Peskyinf
Boston Red Sox 1942 & 1946-52, Detroit 1952-54, Washington 1954

  • 1 year/$17,500 (1948)
  • 1 year/$20,000 (1947)
  • 1 year/$4,000 (1942), plus $5,000 at season’s end
  • signed 1940 for $500 bonus & $150/month (also received $1,000 after first pro season)


Manny Ramirez dh-lf
Cleveland 1993-2000, Boston 2001-08, LA Dodgers 2008-10,
Chicago White Sox 2010, Tampa Bay 2011

  • 1 year/$2M (2011)

    • signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent 1/22/11
    • retired 4/8/11
  • 2 years/$45M (2009-10)

    • signed by LA Dodgers as a free agent 3/4/09
    • 09:$25M, 10:$20M (voidable)
    • Ramirez must decide whether to opt out of final year before 5th day after end of 2009 World Series or Nov. 10th, whichever is later
    • $30M deferred without interest:

      • 2009: $10M paid ’09 and $15M in 3 installments of $5M each June 30, 2010-12
      • 2010 (if no opt out): $5M paid in 2010 and $15M in 3 installments of $3,333,333 each June 30, 2011-12, and $8,333,333 on June 30, 2013
    • full no-trade clause
    • Ramirez to donate $1M to club charity
    • Ramirez exercised 2010 player option 11/6/09
    • claimed by Chicago White Sox off waivers from LA Dodgers 8/30/10
  • 8 years/$160M (2001-08), plus 2009, 2010 club options

    • signed by Boston as a free agent 12/00
    • $16M signing bonus (paid over 5 years)
    • 01:$13M, 02:$15.5M, 03:$18M, 04:$20.5M, 05:$20M, 06:$19M, 07:$18M, 08:$20M, 09-10:$20M club options
    • $1M assignment bonus if traded
    • award bonuses: $75,000 for All-Star. $0.1M for Silver Slugger. $0.15M for ALCS or WS MVP. $0.2M for MVP ($0.125M for 2nd in vote, $0.1M for 3rd, $75,000 for 4th (2005), $50,000 for 5th)
    • $31M deferred ($3M in 2001, $4M each in 2002-08), paid in 16 installments of $1.94M, 2011-26
    • receives no-trade clause if another Boston player receives one
    • acquired by LA Dodgers in trade from Boston 7/31/08, with Red Sox paying remainder of 2008 salary (about $7M) and agreeing to eliminate 2009-10 club options in exchange for Ramirez not exercising right to block trade as a 10-and-5 player
  • 4 years/$10.1M (1996-99), plus 2000 option

    • signed extension with Cleveland
    • 96:$1.1M, 97:$2M, 98:$2.85M, 99:$4.1M, 00:$4.25M club option
    • Cleveland exercised 2000 option 11/99
  • drafted by Cleveland 1991 (1-13)
  • agent: Scott Boras
  • ML service: 17.042

Curt Schilling rhp
Baltimore 1988-90, Houston 1991,
Philadelphia 1992-2000, Arizona 2000-03, Boston 2004-08

  • 1 year/$8M (2008)
    • re-signed by Boston as a free agent 11/6/07
    • $0.5M one-time assignment bonus if traded
    • performance bonuses: $0.375M each for 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 & 200 IP
    • award bonuses: $50,000 for All Star starter; $0.1M each for All Star, LCS MVP, WS MVP; $0.5M for Cy Young ($0.4M for 2nd, $0.3M for 3rd, $1M for receiving one Cy Young vote (1st, 2nd or 3rd)
    • $2M in weight clauses ($333,333 each for maintaining weight in 6 random weigh-ins, one per month, during season)
    • perks: use of team uniform for charity events, suite for home-game starts and charity events, day care for home games, 6 season tickets in State Street Pavilion
  • 3 years/$37.5M (2004-06), plus 2007 option
    • signed extension with Boston 11/03 after agreeing to waive no-trade clause
    • 04:$12M, 05:$12.5M, 06:$13M, 07:$13M option
    • $13M 2007 option vested with 2004 World Series victory
    • bonuses: $0.1M (All Star), $2M (if Boston wins World Series)
  • 3 years/$32M (2002-04)

    • signed extension with Arizona 12/15/00
    • 02:$10M, 03:$10M, 04:$12M
    • half of salary each season deferred
    • $6M in performance bonuses
  • 3 years/$15.45M (1998-2000), plus 2001 club option

    • signed extension with Philadelphia 4/3/97
    • 98:$4.65M, 99:$5.15M, 00:$5.65M, 01:$6.5M club option
    • acquired by Arizona in trade with Philadelphia 7/00
  • 1 year/$3.5M (1997)
  • 1 year/$2M (1996)
  • 1 year/$2.3M (1995)
    • re-signed by Philadelphia 12/16/94 (avoided arbitration)
  • 1 year/$2.3M (1994)
    • re-signed by Philadelphia 2/7/94 (avoided arbitration)
  • 1 year/$1.025M (1993)
  • 1 year/$0.205M (1992)
  • 1 year/$0.125M (1991) (Houston)
    • acquired by Houston in trade from Baltimore 1/91
  • 1 year/$0.103M (1990) (Baltimore)
  • acquired by Baltimore in trade from Boston 7/88
  • drafted by Boston 1986 (2-39)
  • agent: Ed Hayes (previously Jeff Borris)
  • ML service: 18.134 (through 2008)

Ted Williamsof
Boston Red Sox 1939-1960

  • 1 year/$6,500 (1939)
  • 1 year/$12,000 (1940)
  • 1 year/$20,000 (1941)
  • 1 year/$35,000 (1942)
  • 1 year/$50,000 (1946)
  • 1 year/$75,000 (1947)
  • 1 year/$90,000 (1948)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1949)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1950)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1951)
  • 1 year/$25,000 (1952)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1953)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1954)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1955)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1956)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1957)
  • 1 year/$125,000 (1958)
  • 1 year/$125,000 (1959)
  • 1 year/$95,000 (1960)

Carl Yastrzemski of-1b
Boston Red Sox 1961-1983

  • signed 1958, receiving:
    • $108,000 signing bonus
    • 2 year/$10,000 minor-league contract
  • 1 year/$15,000 (1962)
  • 1968:$100,000
  • 1970:$125,000
  • 3 years/$500,000 (1971-73)
    • most lucrative deal in baseball history at signing (2/17/1971)
    • 1971:$160,000
  • 1976:$175,000
  • 1977:$242,500


Brooklyn Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers

Jackie Robinsoninf
Brooklyn 1947-1956

  • earned $500 per month with 1945 Kansas City Monarchs
  • signed with Brooklyn 10/23/1945 for $600/month & $3,500 signing bonus
  • 1 year/$5,000 (1947) (Major League minimum)
  • 1 year/$35,000 (1950)
  • 1 year/$37,500 (1955)
  • 1 year/$33,000 (1956)
  • top salary: $42,500


Chicago Cubs

Ryne Sandberg 2b
Philadelphia Phillies 1981, Chicago Cubs 1982-1997

  • 1 year/$2.3M (1996)
  • 4 years/$28.4M (1993-97)
    • $3.5M signing bonus (paid 12/92)
    • 93:$5.1M, 94:$5.1M, 95:$5.1M, 96:$5.1M, 97:$5.9M club option ($2.5M buyout)
    • up to $1.65M in award bonuses
    • $2M personal services contract (paid in first 4 years after retirement)
    • record $7.1M annual average at signing
    • signed 3/92
    • retired after 1994 season
  • 3 years/$6.3M (1990-92)
    • 92:$2.1M
    • signed 4/89
  • 6 years/$3.97M (1984-89)
    • 84:$0.25M, 85:$505M, 86:$0.665M, 87:$0.76M, 88:$0.84M, 89:$0.95M
    • signed 2/84
  • drafted 1978 (20-511), $25,000 signing bonus
  • agent: Jim Turner

Sammy Sosa dh-of
Texas 1989, Chicago White Sox 1989-91
Chicago Cubs 1992-2004, Baltimore 2005, Texas 2007

  • 1 year/$0.5M (2007)
    • signed by Texas as a free agent 1/07 (minor-league contract)
    • performance bonuses: $0.2M each for 200, 250, 300 PAs; $0.25M each for 350, 400, 450 & 500 PAs; $0.3M each for 550, 600 PAs
    • award bonus: $0.2M for Comeback Player of Year
    • contract purchased 4/07
  • 4 years/$72M (2002-05), plus 2006 option (Chicago Cubs)

    • $6M signing bonus
    • 02:$12M, 03:$13M, 04:$16M, 05:$17M, 06:$18M club option ($4.5M buyout)
    • $3.5M severance payment due at end of contract
    • 2006 option becomes guaranteed if Sosa is traded
    • $19M 2007 option added if Sosa is traded
    • Sosa declined right to opt out after ’03 & collect $1.75M buyout
    • contract restructured 1/05 as part of trade to Orioles, with Sosa agreeing to eliminate 1) ’06 option & 2) clause adding ’07 option
    • Orioles will pay $8.15M of 2005 salary
    • Cubs will pay:
      • $8.85M of 2005 salary
      • $3.5M severance payment, due within 30 days of trade
      • $4.5M assignment bonus (replacing $4.5M ’06 buyout)
  • 4 years/$42.5M (1998-2001) (Chicago Cubs)
  • $3,500 signing bonus
  • agents: Adam Katz, Tom Reich
  • ML service: 17.049


Chicago White Sox

Ozzie Guillen ss
Chicago White Sox 1985-1997
Baltimore 1998, Atlanta 1998-1999, Tampa Bay 2000

  • 1 year (2000) (Tampa Bay)
  • 1 year/$0.55M (1999) (Atlanta)
  • 1 year/$0.45M (1998) (Baltimore)

    • released by Baltimore 5/1/98
    • signed by Atlanta as a free agent 5/6/98
  • 3 years/$12.5M (1995-97), plus 1998 club option
    • Chicago declined 98 option
  • 4 years/$6.5M (1990-93), plus 1994 club option
    • Chicago exercised $2.1M club option 10/93
    • signed 10/1/89
  • 1 year/$0.8M (1989), signed 2/9/89
  • 1 year/$0.5375M (1988)
  • 1 year/$0.175M (1987)
  • 1 year/$0.15M (1986)
  • 1 year/$60,000 (1985)
  • acquired in trade from San Diego 12/6/84
  • signed by San Diego 1980 as amateur free agent from Venezuela

Joe Jackson of
Philadelphia A’s 1908-09, Cleveland 1910-1915,
Chicago White Sox 1915-1920

  • 3 years/$18,000 (1914-16), signed 2/1914
    • contract purchased from Cleveland 8/20/1915 for $31,500
  • 3 years/$18,000 (1917-19), signed 8/16/1915
  • 3 years/$27,000 (1920-22)
    • 1920: $8,000

Frank Thomas 1b-dh
Chicago White Sox 1990-2005,
Oakland 2006 & 2008, Toronto 2007-08

  • 2 years/$18.12M (2007-08), plus 2009 vesting option
    • signed by Toronto as a free agent 11/06
    • $9.12M signing bonus
    • 07:$1M, 08:$8M, 09:$10M vesting option
    • 2009 option guaranteed with 1,000 PAs 2007-08 or 525 PAs 2008
    • no-trade protection
    • performance bonuses: $0.2M each for 500, 525, 550, 575 & 600 PAs
    • award bonuses: $0.1M for MVP, $50,000 each for Silver Slugger, WS MVP, LCS MVP or All Star ($25,000 All Star selection)
    • released by Toronto 4/20/08
    • signed by Oakland as a free agent 4/24/08 (A’s to pay pro-rated share of $0.39M ML minimum)
  • 1 year/$0.5M (2006)

    • signed by Oakland as a free agent 1/06
    • $1.4M in roster bonuses (if on active ML roster or on DL with injury unrelated to left foot problem)
      • $0.325M each on May 1 & June 15
      • $0.375M each on July 15 & Aug. 15
    • $1.2M in performance bonuses:
      • $0.2M each for 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 & 550 PAs
    • award bonuses:

      • $0.1M bonus for 4th-place finish in 2006 AL MVP vote
      • $50,000 bonus for Gold Glove
  • 1 year/$5M (2003), plus 2004-06 options
    • re-signed with Chicago White Sox as a free agent 12/02
    • 03:$5M, 04:$6M player option/$8M club option, 05:$8M player option/$11M club option, 06:$10M player option/$12M club option ($3.5M buyout)
    • in agreeing to restructuring 12/02, Thomas received $1M loan
    • $2M in award bonuses for finish in top 10 of MVP vote
    • White Sox declined $10M mutual option 11/05 (Thomas had exercised $10M 2006 player option 10/05)
    • Thomas exercised $8M 2005 player option 10/04
    • Thomas exercised $6M 2004 player option
  • 7 years/$64.4M (1998-2004), plus club options for 2005, 2006
    • 99:$7.15M, 00:$7.25M, 01:$10.375M, 02:$10.3M, 03:$10.3M, 04:$10.3M, 05:$10.3M option, 06:$10.3M option
    • White Sox invoked “diminished skills clause” 10/02, allowing the club to defer $10.124M/year if Thomas did not make the All Star team, win a Silver Slugger award or rank in the top 10 of MVP vote for 2002. Thomas filed for free agency 10/02 before agreeing to rework terms for 2003-06.
  • 4 years/$29M (1995-98), plus 1999-2000 options
    • signed extension with Chicago White Sox 10/93
    • 95:$7.15M, 96:$7.15M, 97:$7.15M, 98:$7.15M, 99:$7.15M club option ($0.15M buyout), 00:$7.25M club option ($0.25M buyout)
    • $3M in salary to be advanced 15 days after approval of contract
  • 3 years/about $4M (1992-94)
    • signed extension with Chicago White Sox 3/92
    • 92:$0.62M, 93:$1M, 94:$2.5M
    • award bonuses, including $0.1M for MVP
  • 1 year/$0.12M (1991)
  • drafted 1989 (1-7) (Auburn)
  • agent: Arn Tellum
  • ML service: 17.063 (through 2007)

Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Benchc-inf
Cincinnati 1965-1983

  • drafted 1965 (2-36), $6,000 signing bonus

Pete Roseinf-of
Cincinnati 1963-1978 & 1984-86, Philadelpha 1979-1983, Montreal 1984

  • signed 1960 for $5,000, plus $7,000 signing bonus
  • 1 year/$105,000 (1970)
  • 1 year/$160,000 (1974)
  • 1 year/$188,000 (1976), plus $188,000 1977 club option
  • 2 years/$725,000 (1977-1978)
  • 4 years/$3.2M (1979-82)
    • deal made Rose baseball’s highest-paid player at signing


Cleveland Indians

Larry Doby of
Cleveland 1947-1955 & 1958,
Chicago White Sox 1956-57 & 1959, Detroit 1959

  • highest annual salary: $36,000

Bob Fellerrhp
Cleveland 1936-1956

  • 1 year/$10,000 (1937), signed 1/1937



Detroit Tigers

Ty Cobbof
Detroit 1905-1928

  • 1 year/$1,500 (1906)
  • 1 year/$2,200 (1907)
  • 1 year/$5,000 (1908)
    • $4,000 salary, plus $800 bonus for hitting above .300
  • 1 year/$10,000 (1911)
  • 3 years/$27,000 (1910-12)
  • 3 years/$36,000 (1915-17) (est.)
  • 1 year/$32,500 (1921), as player-manager
  • 1 year/$70,000 (1927), plus $35,000 in bonuses
    • $30,000 signing bonus
    • $40,000 1927 salary
    • $15,000 in Spring Training game receipts
    • $20,000 bonus if A’s won pennant (paid despite Athletics’ second-place finish in 1927)

Hank Greenbergof
Detroit 1930-1947

  • 1 year/$115,000 (1947)


Florida Marlins

Gary Sheffield of-dh
Milwaukee 1988-91, San Diego 1992-93, Florida 1993-98
LA Dodgers 1998-2001, Atlanta 2002-03, NY Yankees 2004-06
Detroit 2007-08, NY Mets 2009

  • 2 years/$28M (2008-09)

    • signed two-year extension with Detroit as part of trade from NY Yankees 11/06
    • 07:$13M, 08:$14M, 09:$14M
    • $12.5M deferred at 3% interest ($4.5M in ’07, $4M in ’08, $4M in ’09)
    • limited no-trade clause (may block deals to 10 clubs each season)
    • award bonuses
    • released by Detroit 3/31/09
    • signed by NY Mets as a free agent 4/4/09 (Mets pay $0.4M of 2009 salary, with Tigers responsible for $13.6M)
  • 3 years/$39M (2004-06), plus 2007 club option

    • signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/03
    • 04-06:$13M annually, 07:$13M club option
    • $4.5M annually deferred without interest
    • $3.3M non-termination bonus 6/05 (deferred without interest)
    • award bonus
    • NY Yankees exercised 2007 option 11/06, facilitating trade
  • 6 years/$61M (1998-2003), plus 2004 club option

    • 98-02:$10M annually, 03:$11M, 04:$11M club option
    • Atlanta declined 2004 option 10/03
  • drafted by Milwaukee 1986 (1-6) (Hillsborough HS, Tampa, Fla.)
  • agent: Rufus Williams (Sheffield negotiated 2004 contract himself) (formerly represented by Scott Boras)
  • ML service: 20.031 (through 2008)


Houston Astros

Jeff Bagwell1b
Houston 1991-2005

  • 5 years/$85M (2002-06), plus 2007 club option

    • retired 12/06
    • $15M signing bonus (paid 02-06)
    • 02:$8M, 03:$10M, 04:$13M, 05:$15M, 06:$17M, 07:$18M club option ($7M buyout)
    • $29M of total package deferred
      • 02:$2M, 03:$3M, 04:$6M, 05:$8M, 06:$10M
    • Astros declined $18M 2007 option 10/06
    • Houston’s insurance claim — seeking to recoup $15.6M of $17M 2006 salary due to Bagwell’s shoulder injury — was denied 3/06. The Astros’ subsequent lawsuit against Connecticut General Life was settled 12/06.
  • drafted 1989 (4-109)
  • agent: Barry Axelrod
  • ML service: 15.000

Craig Biggio c-2b-of
Houston 1988 – 2007

  • 1 year/$5.15M (2007)

    • re-signed 11/06
    • award bonuses: $50,000 each for MVP, WS MVP or Gold Glove, $25,000 for All-Star selection, LCS MVP or Silver Slugger
  • 1 year/$4M (2006), re-signed 9/05
  • 1 year/$3M (2004), plus $3M 2005 club option
    • 04:$3M, 05:$3M club option ($1M buyout); signed extension 1/03
    • $1.5M/year in incentives
    • $0.25M each for 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 & 700 PAs
    • Houston exercised $3M 2005 option 10/04
  • 3 years/$28M (2001-03)
    • $7M signing bonus
      • $1M of bonus due Jan. 15 each year 00-03
      • $3M of bonus due Jan. 15, 2004
    • 01:$6M, 02:$7M, 03:$8M
  • 4 years/$22.36M (1996-1999), plus $3M 2000 club option
    • re-signed as a free agent 12/95
  • drafted 1987 (1-22)
  • agent: Barry Axelrod
  • ML service: 18.099


Kansas City Royals

George Brett3b-1b
Kansas City Royals 1973-1993

  • 2 years/$7.7M (1991-92), plus 1993 club option
    • $0.5M signing bonus
    • 1991:$3.1M, 1992:$3.1M, 1993:$3.1M ($1M buyout)
    • signed re-worked contract 5/21/1991
  • 5 years (1987-1991), plus 1992-93 club options
    • signed extension May, 1984
    • 1987-91:$1.5M annually, 1992:$1.5M club option, 1993:$1.5M club option
    • contract also paid Brett about $0.45M annually from real-estate deal
    • performance bonuses: $100,000 for MVP, $50,000 each for World Series or ALCS MVP, $50,000 All Star, $100,000 Gold Glove, $60,000 for 550 PAs, $100,000 for 625 PAs
    • 7 year personal services contract as VP after retirement, single room on road trips, $5M loan with 10 percent interest
    • as part of the extension, Brett agreed to give the Royals the bat he used in the July 24, 1983 “Pine Tar Game”
  • 5 years/$5M (1982-86) (est.)
    • 1985:$1M
  • 5 years/$1.5M (1977-81)
    • 1977:$200,000
  • 1 year/$126,000 (1976)
  • drafted 1971 (2- 29) (El Segundo HS, Calif.), $25,000 signing bonus

Minnesota Twins

Bert Blylevenrhp
Minnesota 1970-1976 and 1985-88,
Texas 1976-77, Pittsburgh 1978-80,
Cleveland 1981-85, California 1989-92

  • 1 year (1993)

    • signed by Minnesota as a free agent 1/93
    • retired 4/91
  • 1 year/$0.3M (1992)
    • signed by California as a free agent 1/92 (minor-league contract)
    • $0.3M in majors
    • $0.9M in performance bonuses
    • contract purchased by California 5/92
  • 1 year/$2M (1991), plus 1992-93 options

    • signed extension with California 4/90
  • 1 year/$1.1M (1989), plus 1990 club option

    • re-signed by California 2/89, settling grievances regarding 20-percent cut rule
  • 2 years/$2.95M (1987-88)

    • signed extension with Minnesota 1986
    • 87:$1.95M, 88:$1M
  • 1 year/$0.65M (1986)

    • re-signed by Minnesota
  • Cleveland, 1981-85

    • annual salaries $0.65M
    • acquired by Minnesota in trade from Cleveland 8/85
  • 1 year/$0.3M (1980)

    • re-signed by Pittsburgh
    • acquired by Cleveland in trade from Pittsburgh 12/80
  • 1 year/$0.5M (1979)

    • re-signed by Pittsburgh
  • 1 year (1978)

    • signed by Pittsburgh
  • 1 year/$0.14M (1977)

    • re-signed by Texas
    • acquired by Pittsburgh in trade from Texas 12/77
  • 1 year (1976)

    • re-signed by Minnesota
    • acquired by Texas in trade from Minnesota 6/76
  • 1 year/$65,000 (1975)
    • re-signed by Minnesota (lost arbitration, $85,000-$65,000)
  • 1 year/$55,000 (1974)
  • 1 year/$33,000 (1973)
  • agent: Richard Moss
  • drafted by Minnesota 1969 (3-55)


Kirby Puckettcf
Minnesota Twins 1984-1995

  • 5 years/$30M (1993-97)
    • $6M signing bonus (paid over life of deal)
    • 93:$4M, 94:$4M, 95:$5M, 96:$5M, 97:$6M
    • option to become free agent after 1995 season
  • 3 years/$9M (1990-92), plus $0.75M in incentives

    • $1.5M signing bonus (paid over 3 years)
    • 90:$2.2M, 91:$2.5M, 92:$2.8M
    • may earn $0.25M/year in incentives
    • first player to earn average of $3M annually
  • 1 year/$2M (1989)
  • 1 year/$1.09M (1988), avoided arbitration
  • 1 year/$0.465M (1987)
  • 1 yr/$0.255M (1986)
  • 1 year/$0.13M (1985)
  • 1 year (1984)
  • agent: Ron Shapiro
  • drafted 1982 (1-3), $20,000 signing bonus

New York Mets

Mike Piazzac
Los Angeles Dodgers (1993-98), Florida (1998)
NY Mets (1998-2005), San Diego (2006), Oakland (2007)

  • retired 5/08
  • 1 year/$8.5M (2007) (Oakland)

    • signed as a free agent 12/06
  • 1 year/$2M (2006), plus 2007 option (SD)
    • signed as a free agent 1/06
    • 06:$1.25M, 07:$8M mutual option ($0.75M buyout)
    • SD declined $8M 2007 option 10/06
    • performance bonus: $0.25M each for 85, 95 & 105 games started
    • award bonus: $50,000 for Gold Glove award
  • 7 years/$91M (1999-2005) (NY Mets)

    • $7.5M signing bonus ($4M up front, $3.5M 1/15/02)
    • 99:$6M, 00:$11M, 01:$12.5M, 02:$9.5M, 03:$14.5M, 04:$15M, 05:$15M
    • $50,000 All Star award bonus
    • limited no-trade clause (may name 4 teams he’d accept trade to before each season)
  • 2 years/$15M (1997-98)
    • signed extension 2/97 (avoided arbitration, $7.65M-$6.1M)
    • 97:$7M, 98:$8M
  • 3 years/$4.2M (1994-96)
    • 94:$0.6M, 95:$0.9M, 96:$2.7M
  • 1 year/$0.126M (1993)
  • agent: Dan Lozano
  • ML service: 15.034


Tom Seaver rhp
New York Mets 1967-1977, 1983
Cincinnati Reds 1977-1982,
Chicago White Sox 1984-85, Boston Red Sox 1986

  • 1 year/$136,000 (1975)
    • pay cut of $34,000 from 1974 salary restored after Seaver won 1975 Cy Young award
  • 1 year/$170,000 (1974)
  • 1 year/$25,000 (1968)
  • signed 1966 as amateur free agent, $50,000 bonus

 

New York Yankees


Yogi Berra c-of
New York Yankees 1947-1965

  • 1 year/$14,000 (1949)


Joe DiMaggio of
New York Yankees 1936-1951

  • 1 year/$8,500 (1936) (highest-ever salary for Yankee rookie)
  • 1 year/$17,000 (1937)
  • 1 year/$25,000 (1938)
  • 1 year/$27,500 (1939)
  • 1 year/$32,500 (1940)
  • 1 year/$37,500 (1941)
  • 1 year/$43,750 (1942)
  • 1 year/$43,750 (1946)
  • 1 year/$43,750 (1947)
  • 1 year/$68,000 (1948)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1949)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1950)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1951)


Whitey Ford lhp
New York Yankees 1950-1967

  • 1 year/$33,000 (1958)


Lou Gehrig 1b
New York Yankees 1923-1939

  • 1 year/$39,000 (1938)
  • 1 year/$31,000 (1935)
  • 1 year/$25,000 (1931)
  • signed 6/1923, receiving:
    • $1,500 signing bonus
    • $2,000 salary for remainder of 1923 season

Reggie Jackson of-dh
Kansas City/Oakland A’s 1967-1975, Baltimore 1976,
New York Yankees 1977-1981, California Angels 1982-1987

  • 5 years/$2.9M (1977-81)
  • drafted by Kansas City 1966 (1-2) (Arizona State), $80,000 signing bonus


Mickey Mantle of
New York Yankees 1951-1968

  • 1 year/$7,500 (1951)
  • 1 year/$10,000 (1953)
  • 1 year/$12,500 (1954)
  • 1 year/$17,000 (1955)
  • 1 year/$33,000 (1956)
  • 1 year/$58,000 (1957)
  • 1 year/$75,000 (1958)
  • 1 year/$72,000 (1959)
  • 1 year/$65,000 (1960)
  • 1 year/$75,000 (1961)
  • 1 year/$85,000 (1962)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1963)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1965)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1966)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1967)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1968)

Roger Maris of
Cleveland Indians 1957-58, Kansas City A’s 1958-59
New York Yankees 1960-1966, St. Louis Cardinals 1967-68

  • 1 year/$37,000 (1961)

Andy Pettitte lhp
New York Yankees 1995-2003 & 2007-2010,
Houston 2004-06

  • 1 year/$11.75M (2010)
    • re-signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/9/09
    • retired 1/11
  • 1 year/$5.5M (2009)
    • re-signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 1/26/09
    • $4.5M in performance bonuses: $0.5M each for 150, 160, 170 IP; $0.75M each for 180, 190, 200, 210 IP
    • $2M in roster bonuses: $0.1M for 120 days on active 25-man roster; $0.2M for 130 days; $0.25M each for 140, 150 days; $0.4M each for 160, 170, 180 days
  • 1 year/$16M (2008)
    • re-signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/10/07
    • no-trade protection
  • 1 year/$16M (2007), plus $16M 2008 player option
    • signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/06
    • declined $16M 2008 player option 11/5/07
    • accepted Yankees’ offer of arbitration 12/7/07
  • 3 years/$31.5M (2004-06) (Houston)
    • 04:$5.5M, 05:$8.5M, 06:$17.5M
    • signed as a free agent 12/03
  • 3 years/$25.5M (2000-02), plus $11.5M 2003 club option
    • $3M signing bonus (paid over 3 years, 00-02)
    • 00:$6M, 01:$6M, 02:$8.5M, 03:$11.5M club option ($2M buyout)
    • Yankees exercised 2003 option 11/02
  • drafted 1990 (22-577) (San Jacinto College-North) (draft & follow)
  • signed 5/91, $80,000 signing bonus
  • agents: Hendricks brothers
  • ML service: 16.000


Phil Rizzutoss
New York Yankees 1941-1956

  • 1 year/$30,000 (1956)
  • 1 year/$32,000 (1955)
  • 1 year/$40,000 (1950)
  • 1 year/$37,700 (1949)
  • 1 year/$5,000 (1941)

Babe Ruth lhp-of
Boston Red Sox 1914-1919, New York Yankees 1920-1934
Boston Braves 1935

  • annual salaries:
    • 1914:$1,900, 1915:$3,500, 1916:$3,500, 1917:$3,500, 1918:$9,000, 1919:$10,000, 1920:$20,000, 1921:$30,000, 1922:$52,000, 1923:$52,000, 1924:$52,000, 1925:$52,000, 1926:$52,000, 1927:$70,000, 1928:$70,000, 1929:$70,000, 1930:$80,000, 1931:$80,000, 1932:$75,000, 1933:$52,000, 1934:$37,500, 1935:$35,000
  • signed 1914 for $600

Joe Torre Manager
3 years/$13M (2008-10)

  • 3 years/$13M (2008-10)
    • hired by LA Dodgers 11/1/07
    • rejected offer to return to Yankees 10/18/07: 1 year/$5M (2008), plus $8M 2009 vesting option (guaranteed with 2008 AL pennant) & performance bonuses ($1M each for reaching ALDS, ALCS & World Series)
  • 3 years/$19.2M (2005-07)
    • signed extension 4/04
    • 05:$6.1M, 06:$6.1M, 07:$7M
    • salaries increased to $6.7M (2005-06) & $7.5M (2007)
    • $1M in annual performance bonuses
      • $0.4M for winning ALCS, $0.6M for winning World Series
    • extension also includes 6-year consulting agreement
  • 3 years/$16.5M (2002-04)
    • 04:$5M
    • $1.4M in performance bonuses
      • $0.1M each for 90, 94, 98 & 102 victories
      • $0.2M for winning ALDS, $0.3M for winning ALCS, $0.5M for winning World Series
  • 2 years/$6M (2000-01)
    • 00:$3M, 01:$3M
  • 3 years/$2.8M (1997-99)
    • 97:$0.8M, 98:$1M, 99:$1M
    • signed 2/97, reworking final year of previous deal
  • 2 years/$1.05M (1996-97)
    • 96:$0.5M, 97:$0.55M
    • hired 11/95, replacing Buck Showalter
  • 2 years (1994-95) (St. Louis)
    • signed extension 8/4/93
    • 95:$0.55M
    • fired 6/16/95
  • 1 year (1993) (St. Louis)

    • signed extension 6/24/91
  • 3 years (1990-92) (St. Louis)
    • hired 8/90
  • Manager, Atlanta (1982-84)
  • Manager, NY Mets (1977-81)
  • agent: Maury Gostfrand

Oakland Athletics

Rickey Henderson of
Oakland 1979-1984, 1989-1995, 1998
NY Yankees 1985-1989
Toronto 1993, San Diego 1996-1997, 2001
Anaheim 1998, NY Mets 1999-2000
Seattle 2000, Boston 2002, LA Dodgers 2003

  • 1 year/$0.35M (2002) (Boston)
  • 1 year/$0.3M (2001) (San Diego)
  • drafted 1976 (4-96), $10,000 signing bonus


Philadelphia Phillies

Mike Schmidt 3b
Philadelphia Phillies 1972-1989

  • 1 year/$0.5M (1989)
  • $0.5M each if on roster 5/15 and 8/15
  • performance bonuses for games started
  • 1 year/$2.25M (1988)
  • 6 years/$10M (1982-87)
  • 6 years/more than $3M (1976-81)
  • drafted 1971 (2-30) (Ohio U), $32,500 signing bonus

Pittsburgh Pirates

Roberto Clemente of
Pittsburgh 1955-1972

  • 1 year/$100,000 (1967)
  • signed by Brooklyn 2/1954 for $5,000 salary and $10,000 signing bonus
  • signed 10/9/1952 by Santurce Crabbers for $40/week, a $400 signing bonus and a new glove

Cot Tierney inf
Pittsburgh 1920-1923, Philadelphia Phillies 1923
Boston Braves 1924, Brooklyn 1925

  • 1 year/$5,000 (1923)

St. Louis Cardinals

Lou Brock of
Chicago Cubs 1961-1964, St. Louis Cardinals 1964-1979

  • 1 year/$70,000 (1968)
    • re-signed by St. Louis 1/68
  • acquired by St. Louis in trade from Chicago Cubs 6/15/64

Dizzy Dean rhp
St. Louis Cardinals 1930 & 1932-37
Chicago Cubs 1938-41
St. Louis Browns 1947

  • 1 year/$17,500 (1938)

    • re-signed by St. Louis 2/38
    • acquired by Chicago Cubs in trade from St. Louis 4/38

Jim Edmonds of
California / Anaheim 1994-99
St. Louis 2000-2007 & 2011
San Diego 2008, Chicago Cubs 2008
Milwaukee 2010, Cincinnati 2010

  • 1 year (2011)
    • signed by St. Louis as a free agent 2/4/11 (minor-league contract)
    • retired 2/11
  • 1 year/$0.85M (2010)
    • signed by Milwaukee as a free agent 1/28/10 (minor-league contract)
    • $1.75M in performance bonuses based on PAs
    • award bonuses, including $0.1M for Comeback Player of Year
    • may request release if not on Major League roster by 3/25/10
    • contract purchased by Milwaukee 3/25/10
    • acquired by Cincinnati in trade from Milwaukee 8/9/10
  • 2009: did not play
  • 2 years/$19M (2007-08)

    • signed extension with St. Louis 11/06
    • 07:$11M, 08:$8M
    • $3M of 2007 deferred with no interest until 2010-19
    • award bonuses
    • no-trade protection
    • acquired by San Diego in trade from St. Louis 12/15/07 (Cardinals paid Padres $2M in deal)
    • released by San Diego 5/9/08
    • signed by Chicago Cubs as a free agent 5/14/08 (Cubs pay pro-rated portion of $0.39M minimum – about $0.29M – with San Diego paying about $5.71M and St. Louis paying $2M)
  • 6 years/$57M (2001-06), plus 2007 club option

    • signed extension with St. Louis 5/00
    • $2M signing bonus
    • 01:$6M, 02:$7M, 03:$8M, 04:$9M, 05:$10M, 06:$12M, 07:$10M club option ($3M buyout)
    • about $1M annually deferred with no interest
    • limited no-trade clause (23-team no-trade list each year)
    • award bonuses based on MVP vote, Silver Slugger and $25,000 for All-Star
  • 4 years/$9.5M (1996-99), plus 2000 club option

    • signed extension with Anaheim
    • $0.1M signing bonus
    • 96:$0.6M, 97:$2M, 98:$3.15M, 99:$3.525M, 00:$4.5M club option
    • Anaheim exercised 2000 option 10/99
    • acquired by St. Louis in trade with Anaheim 3/00
  • 1 year/$167,500 (1995)
  • 1 year/$117,500 (1994)
  • drafted by Anaheim 1988 (7-169)
  • agent: Paul Cohen
  • ML service: 14.027

Bob Gibson rhp
St. Louis Cardinals 1959-1975

  • 1 year/$0.15M (1971)
    • re-signed by St. Louis 10/70
  • 1 year/$0.125M (1969)
    • re-signed by St. Louis 3/69
  • 1 year/$40,000 (1965)
    • re-signed by St. Louis 2/65

Tony La Russa Manager
1 year (2011), plus 2012 mutual option

  • 1 year (2011), plus 2012 mutual option

    • signed extension with St. Louis 10/19/10
    • retired 10/31/11
  • 1 year (2010)

    • signed extension with St. Louis 10/26/09
  • 2 years/$8.5M (2008-09)
    • signed extension with St. Louis paying more than $4M annually 10/22/07
  • 3 years/about $8.25M (2005-07)
    • signed extension with St. Louis 2/05
    • 07:$2.8M
  • 2 years/about $4M (2002-03), plus $2M 2004 club option
  • 2 years (2000-01)
    • signed extension with St. Louis 10/99
  • 2 years/$3M (1996-97), plus 1998 club option
    • hired by St. Louis 10/95
  • Oakland A’s, 1986 – 1995
    • 4 years/more than $1M (1986-1989)
      • signed multi-year contract 7/86
      • paid about $333,000 annually, 1987-1990
    • 3 years (1990-92)
      • signed extension with Oakland 7/89
    • 2 years (1993-94)
    • 3 years (1995-97)

      • signed extension with Oakland 10/94
      • reportedly earned annual salary of $1.5M in final year
      • exercised right to void final 2 years of contract with A’s when the Oakland franchise was sold in 1995
  • Chicago White Sox, 1979 – 1986
    • hired 8/79
    • 1 year (1980), re-signed 10/79
    • 2 years (1982-83), re-signed 11/81
    • 1 year (1984), signed extension 4/83
    • 1 year (1985), re-signed 10/84
    • 1 year (1986), re-signed 10/85
    • fired 6/86

Mark McGwire 1b
Oakland 1987-1997, St. Louis Cardinals 1997-2001

  • 2 years/$30M (2002-03)
    • 02:$14M, 03:$16M
    • attendance bonus of $2/fan for each fan beyond 2.8 million
    • about 25% of $30M deferred at “reasonable” interest rate
    • 2002-03 extension negotiated without an agent
    • retired 11/01, leaving 2002-03 extension unsigned
  • 3 years/$28.5M (1998-2000), plus 2001 mutual option
    • signed extension 9/16/07
    • $1M signing bonus
    • 98:$8M, 99:$8.5M, 00:$9M, 01:$11M mutual option ($2M buyout)
    • attendance bonus of $1/fan for each fan beyond 2.8 million
    • bonus worth $586,493 in 2000
  • 5 years/$28M (1993-97)
    • $7M signing bonus
    • 93:$2.6M, 94:$1.6M, 95:$5.5M, 96:$5.6M, 97:$5.7M
  • 1 year/$2.7M (1992)
  • 1 year/$2.85M (1991)
    • re-signed 2/91, avoided arbitration $3.3M-$2M
  • 1 year/$1.5M (1990)
    • signed 2/90 (avoided arbitration, $1.72M-$1M)
    • may earn up to $170,000 in performance bonuses
  • 1 year/$0.455M (1989)
    • received $55,500 in bonuses
  • 1 year/$0.25M (1988)
  • 1 year/$72,500 (1987)
  • 1 year/$60,000 (1986)
  • drafted 1984 (1-10) by Oakland, $125,000 signing bonus
  • drafted 1981 (8-198) by Montreal (did not sign)
  • agent: Robert Cohen


Joe Medwick of
St. Louis Cardinals 1932-1940 & 1947-48,
Brooklyn 1940-43 & 1946, NY Giants 1943-45,
Boston Braves 1945

  • 1 year/$20,000 (1941)

    • signed by Brooklyn 10/40
  • 1 year/$18,000 (1940)

    • re-signed by St. Louis 3/40
    • acquired by Brooklyn in trade from St. Louis 6/40
  • 1 year/$20,000 (1939)

    • signed

Stan Musial of-1b
St. Louis Cardinals 1941-1963

  • 1 year/$70,000 (1962)
  • 1 year/$75,000 (1961)
  • 1 year/$80,000 (1960)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1959)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1958)
  • 1 year/$100,000 (1957)
  • 1 year/$80,000 (1954)
  • 1 year/$50,000 (1950)
  • 1 year/$31,000 (1948)
  • 1 year/$31,000 (1947)


Ozzie Smith ss
San Diego 1978-1981, St. Louis Cardinals 1982-1996

  • 1 year/$3M (1993), plus recurring club options

    • signed extension with St. Louis 12/92
    • $3M salaries for remaining years of Smith’s career, provided:

      • Smith is cleared to play by independent physician, and
      • Smith has 400 PAs per season
    • 6 year/$1.2M personal services contract after retirement
  • 2 years/$4.3M (1990-91), plus 1992 club option

    • signed extension with St. Louis 4/85
    • 90:$2.1M, 91:$2.1M, 92:$2M club option ($0.1M buyout)
    • St. Louis exercised $2M club option 11/91
  • 4 years/$8.7M (1986-89)
    • signed extension with St. Louis 4/85
    • 89: $2.2M
  • 3 years/$3.6M (1983-85)
    • signed extension with St. Louis 1/83
  • 1 year/$0.45M (1982)
    • signed by St. Louis 4/82 (lost in arbitration, $0.75M-$0.45M)
  • 1 year/$0.3M (1981)
    • re-signed by San Diego
    • acquired by St. Louis in trade from San Diego 12/81 (Smith agreed to waive no-trade clause to facilitate deal)
  • 1 year/$72,500 (1980)
    • renewed by San Diego 3/80
  • 1 year/$72,500 (1979)
  • 1 year (1978)
  • agent: Ed Gottlieb, Debbie Ehlmann
  • drafted by Detroit 1976 (7-146) (did not sign)
  • drafted by San Diego 1977 (4-86) (Cal Poly), $5,000 signing bonus


Bruce Sutter rhp
Chicago Cubs 1975-1980, St. Louis 1981-84, Atlanta 1985-89

  • 6 years/$9.6M (1985-90) Atlanta
    • paid in 6 installments of $750,000, with balance to an annuity paying an estimated $44 million over 30 years
    • signed as a free agent 12/84
  • 1981-84 St. Louis
    • reportedly signed $3.5M contract with St. Louis
    • acquired in trade 1/80
  • 1 year/$700,000 (1980)
    • won arbitration 2/80, Chicago replaced tentative deal for 5 years/$2.375M (1980-84) rejected by Cubs owner Phil Wrigley
  • 2 years/$300,000 (1978-79)
    • 1978:$75,000
  • 1 year/$50,000 (1977)
  • 1 year/$19,000 (1976)
  • contract purchased 5/76
  • signed as undrafted free agent by Cubs 9/1971 for bonus of $500, plus $500/month salary in minors
  • drafted 1970 (21st round) by Washington Senators (did not sign & instead attended Old Dominion University for 6 weeks)
  • agents: Bob Gilhooley & Jim Bronner


San Diego Padres
Tony Gwynn of
San Diego Padres 1982-2001

  • 2 years/$10.6M (1999-2000), plus $6M 2001 club option
    • 99:$4.3M, 00:$4.3M, 01:$6M club option ($2M buyout)
    • signed extension 4/97 (picked up 98 option at same time)
    • additional $3.7M with 600 PAs
    • club declined 2001 option 11/00
  • 2 years/$8.5M (1996-97), plus $4M 1998 club option
    • 96:$4M, 97:$4M, 98:$4M ($0.5M buyout)
    • additional $0.5M/year for 500 plate appearances
    • club exercised $4M 1998 option 4/97
  • 3 years/$12.25M (1993-95)
    • $1.15M signing bonus
    • 93:$3.6M, 94:$3.25M, 95:$4.25M
    • signed extension 2/91
  • 1 year/$2M (1991), plus 1992 club option
    • 91:$2M, 92:$2M club option ($0.2M buyout)
    • club must make decision on 1992 option by end of 1990 season
    • signed extension 12/88
  • 5 years (1985-89), plus 1990 club option
    • six-figure signing bonus
    • total value of $4.5M if option is exercised
    • 85:$0.5M, 88:$1M, 89:$1M, 90:club option
    • club added award bonuses 3/87
    • club added $0.5M 2/88
    • signed 11/84, replacing final year of previous deal, which was to pay $0.18M for 1985
    • 84:$0.1M
  • agent: John Boggs (previously Lew Muller)
  • drafted 1981 (3-58), $25,000 signing bonus
  • (also drafted by San Diego Clippers in 10th round of 1981 NBA Draft)


Trevor Hoffmanrhp
Florida 1993, San Diego 1993-2008, Milwaukee 2009-10

  • 1 year/$8M (2010), plus 2011 club option

    • signed extension with Milwaukee 10/5/09
    • 10:$7.5M, 11:$7M mutual option ($0.5M buyout)
    • price of 2011 option may increase based on GF in 2010:
      • $7.5M ($0.75M buyout) with 35 GF
      • $7.75M ($1M buyout) with 40 GF
      • $8M with 45 GF
      • $8.5M with 50 GF
    • no-trade protection (may block deals to 25 clubs)
    • Milwaukee declined 2011 option 11/2/10
    • retired 1/11/11
  • 1 year/$6M (2009)

    • signed by Milwaukee as a free agent 1/8/09
    • performance bonuses: $0.15M for 35 GF; $0.2M each for 38, 41, 45, 48 GF; $0.25M each for 50, 52 GF
    • award bonuses: $50,000 each for All Star, Gold Glove, LCS MVP, Rolaids ($25,000 for 2nd place); $0.1M for WS MVP; $0.1M for Cy Young ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd); $0.1M for MVP ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd)
    • perks: suite on road, four first-class round-trip air tickets from Milwaukee to San Diego once during season
  • 2 years/$13.5M (2006-07), plus 2008 option
    • re-signed by San Diego as a free agent 12/05
    • 06:$5M, 07:$6.5M, 08:$7.5M vesting option ($2M buyout)
    • 2008 club option vests with 45 GF in 2006 or 90 GF in 2006-07
    • award bonus: $50,000 for All Star selection
  • 1 year/$2.5M (2004), plus 2005 club option

    • re-signed by San Diego 11/03 after Padres paid $2M buyout for 2004 club option
    • $0.5M in bonuses
    • no-trade clause
    • $5M 2005 option vested with 50 GF in 2004
  • 4 years/$32M (2000-03), plus 2004 club option
    • $3M bonus (paid in 2002)
    • 00:$6M, 01:$6M, 02:$6M, 03:$9M, 04:$10M club option
      ($2M buyout) (club declined 2004 option 11/03)
    • most lucrative contract ever for a reliever at signing
  • 3 years/$9.2M (1997-99)
    • signed 8/16/96
    • 97:$1.5M, 98:$2.925M, 99:$4.775M
  • 1 year/$0.955M (1996)
  • 1 year/$0.315M (1995)
  • 1 year/$0.180M (1994)
  • 1 year/$0.109M (1993)
  • acquired in trade (from Florida) 6/24/93
  • selected 11/17/92 by Florida in expansion draft
  • drafted (by Cincinnati) 1989 (11-290)
  • agent: Rick Thurman
  • ML service: 17.000


Dave Winfield of-dh
San Diego 1973-1980, NY Yankees 1981-90
California Angels 1990-91, Toronto 1992
Minnesota 1993-94, Cleveland 1995

  • drafted 1973 (1-4), $65,000 signing bonus


San Francisco Giants
New York Giants

Barry Bonds of
Pittsburgh 1986-92, San Francisco 1993-2007

  • 1 year/$15.8M (2007)
    • re-signed as a free agent 2/07 (Bonds’ agent has said that any provision allowing the club to void the contract in the wake of an indictment is not enforceable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.)
    • 07:$15.8M ($5.8M of 2007 salary deferred)
    • $4.2M in performance bonuses (earned $3.5M in bonuses, to be paid, plus 3% interest, in 2009):
      • $0.5M for 250 PAs
      • $1M each for 300, 375 & 450 PAs
      • $0.7M for 525 PAs
    • if Bonds is indicted, club has right to:
      • terminate contract under sections 7(b)(1) and 7(b)(3) of Uniform Player Contract
      • convert contract to a non-guaranteed deal, allowing club to release him before Opening Day & pay 30 or 45 days’ termination pay
    • Bonds agreed not to ask the players’ union to file a grievance if he is released after an indictment
    • under the agreement, Bonds’ personal trainers are no longer club employees & no longer allowed in restricted areas at Major League parks
    • perks: hotel suite on road, use of luxury suite for 5 homes games, 5 free lower box seats for each road game
  • 5 years/$90M (2002-06)
    • signed 1/02
    • $10M signing bonus ($2.5M paid 02, $3.5M 03, $4M 04)
    • first 4 years/$72M guaranteed
    • 02:$13M, 03:$13M, 04:$16M, 05:$20M, 06:$18M club option
    • club may void 2006 if Bonds has less than 500 PAs in 05
    • club may not void 2006 option if Bonds has:
      • 950 PAs 2004-05 and at least 400 PAs 2005
    • $5M/year of 2002-06 salaries deferred at 3.5%, paid 07-11
    • $0.1M All Star award bonus
    • no-trade clause
    • 10-year personal services contract begins after playing career ends, paying nearly $1M annually to the Bonds Family Foundation
    • San Francisco exercised 2006 option 9/04
  • 2 years/$22.9M (1999-2000), plus 2001 club option
    • signed extension with San Francisco 2/97
    • 99:$9.7M, 00:$10.7M, 01:$10.3M club option ($2.5M buyout)
    • $0.425M annually in performance bonuses
    • San Francisco exercised 2001 option 7/99
  • 6 years/$43.75M (1993-98)

    • signed by San Francisco as a free agent 12/92
    • $2.5M signing bonus
    • 93:$4M, 94:$4.75M, 95:$7.75M, 96:$8M, 97:$8.25M, 98:$8.5M
    • highest annual average salary at signing
    • largest-ever total package at signing
    • bonus for winning MVP awards
      • $0.1M for 1st time (won 1993)
      • $0.25M for 2nd time
      • $0.75M for 3rd time
      • $1M for 4th time
  • 1 year/$4.7M (1992) (Pittsburgh)

    • avoided arbitration 2/92 ($5M-$4M)
    • $0.15M signing bonus, 92:$4.55M
    • one-year salary record at time of signing
    • hotel suite on road trips to LA, SF & San Diego (first player to be guaranteed a suite on the road)
    • $0.6M in award bonuses
      • $0.25M for MVP ($0.1M for 2nd in MVP vote)
      • $0.15M for World Series MVP
      • $0.1M for The Sporting News player of year
      • $0.1M for LCS MVP
  • 1 year/$2.3M (1991)
    • lost arbitration ($3.25M-$2.3M)
  • 1 year/$0.85M (1990)
    • lost arbitration ($1.6M-$0.85M)
  • 1 year/$0.36M (1989)
  • 1 year/$0.22M (1988)
  • 1 year/$0.1M (1987)
  • 1 year/$60,000 (1986)
  • drafted:
    • 1985 (1-6) (Pittsburgh)
    • 1982 (2-39) (San Francisco) (did not sign)
  • agent: Jeff Borris
  • ML service: 21.129


Jeff Kent 2b
Toronto 1992, New York Mets 1992-96,
Cleveland 1996, San Francisco 1997-2002,
Houston 2003-04, Los Angeles Dodgers 2005-08

  • 1 year/$11.5M (2007), plus 2008 club option
    • signed extension with LA Dodgers 3/06
    • $2M signing bonus (paid in installments)
    • 07:$9M, 08:$9M club option ($0.5M buyout)
    • 2008 option guaranteed with 550 plate appearances in 2007
    • additional $2.35M in performance bonuses & escalators, 2007-08
  • 2 years/$17M (2005-06)

    • signed by LA Dodgers as a free agent 12/04
    • $0.5M signing bonus
    • 05:$7.5M, 06:$9M
  • 2 years/$18.2M (2003-04), plus 2005 club option

    • signed by Houston as a free agent 12/02
    • $3M signing bonus
    • 03:$6M, 04:$8.5M, 05:$9M club option ($0.7M buyout)
    • $10.5M deferred
      • 03: $2M deferred to 3/1/05 & $3M deferred to 7/1/05
      • 04: $2M deferred to 3/1/06 & $3.5M deferred to 7/1/06
    • $25,000 All Star award bonus
    • Houston declined 2005 option 10/04
  • 3 years/$17.7M (1999-2001), plus 2002 club option
    • 99:$5.7M, 00:$6M, 01:$6M, 02:$6M club option
  • 2 years/$6.025M (1997-98), plus 1999 option

    • signed by San Francisco 1/97
    • 97:$2.625M, 98:$3.4M
  • 1 year/$1.96M (1996)
    • re-signed by NY Mets 2/96 ($2.275M-$1.5M)
    • acquired by Cleveland in trade from NY Mets 7/96
    • acquired by San Francisco in trade from Cleveland 11/96
  • 1 year/$0.71M (1995)
  • 1 year/$0.4375M (1994)
  • 1 year/$0.195M (1993)

    • re-signed by NY Mets 1993
  • 1 year/$0.109M (1992)

    • re-signed by Toronto 1992
    • acquired by NY Mets in trade from Toronto 8/92
  • drafted by Toronto 1989 (20-521) (Cal)
  • agent: Jeffrey Klein
  • ML service: 17.000 (through 2008)


Willie Mays of
New York Giants 1951-1957, San Francisco Giants 1958-1972,
New York Mets 1972-73

  • 1 year/$170,000 (1973)
  • 1 year/$170,000 (1972)
  • 1 year/$170,000 (1971)
  • 1 year/$180,000 (1970)
  • 1 year/$180,000 (1969)
  • 1 year/$125,000 (1968)
  • 1 year/$125,000 (1967)
  • 1 year/$125,000 (1966)
  • 1 year/$105,000 (1965)
  • 1 year/$105,000 (1964)
  • 1 year/$105,000 (1963)
  • 1 year/$90,000 (1962)
  • 1 year/$85,000 (1961)
  • 1 year/$75,000 (1960)
  • 1 year/$80,000 (1959)
  • 1 year/$65,000 (1958)
  • 1 year/$25,000 (1955)
  • 1 year/$12,500 (1953)
  • 1 year/$7,500 (1952)
  • 1 year/$5,000 (1951) (increased to $7,500 at mid-season)
  • signed 1950 for $4,000 signing bonus & $250/month


Seattle Mariners
Ken Griffey Jr. dh-of
1 year/$2.35M (2010)

  • 1 year/$2.35M (2010)
    • signed extension with Seattle 11/11/09
    • performance/attendance bonuses:

      • $0.1M for 350 PAs; $0.2M each for 400, 450, 500 PAs
      • with 350 PAs, $0.1M each for 2.3 million and 2.35 million fans
      • with 400 PAs, $0.15M each for 2.4 million, 2.45 million and 2.5 million fans
    • roster bonuses if Griffey is on active ML roster at end of 2010:
      • $50,000 each for 2.4 million and 2.45 million fans
      • $0.1M for 2.5 million fans
    • award bonuses: $50,000 for All Star; $0.1M for Comeback Player of Year; $0.15M for MVP
    • retired 6/2/10
  • 1 year/$2M (2009)
    • signed by Seattle as a free agent 2/18/09, with $3M in possible bonuses
    • performance bonuses:
      • $0.25M each for 450, 500 PAs
      • with 2 million in paid attendance, $0.1M for 300 PAs, $0.2M each for 350, 400 PAs
      • $0.2M each for 1) 2.1 million fans and 300 PAs, 2) 2.15 million fans and 350 PAs, 3) 2.2 million fans at 400 PAs, 4) 2.25 million fans and 450 PAs, 5) 2.3 million fans and 500 PAs
    • roster bonuses (pro-rated to account for any days on disabled list):

      • if Griffey is on Major League roster through July 31, $50,000 each for paid attendance of 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, 2.5, 2.55, 2.6 million
      • if Griffey is on Major League roster through last day of regular season, $0.1M each for paid attendance of 2.65, 2.7, 2.75, 2.8, 2.95, 3 million
    • award bonuses: $25,000 for All Star reserve; $50,000 each for All Star starter, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, LCS MVP; $0.1M each for WS MVP, Comeback Player of Year; $0.15M for MVP
  • 9 years/$116.5M (2000-08), plus 2009 club option

    • signed by Cincinnati 2/2000, replacing final year of previous contract
    • 00-08: $12.5M annually, 09:$16M club option ($4M buyout)
    • $57.5M in salary deferred at 4% interest, to be paid 2009-2024, reducing contract’s present-day value at time of signing to between $9.2M and $9.3M annually, according to Reds management sources
      • $5.5M of 2000 salary deferred
      • $6.5M/year of 2001-2008 salaries deferred
    • acquired by White Sox in trade from Cincinnati 7/31/08, with Griffey waiving 10-and-5 veto right and Reds and White Sox splitting cost of Griffey’s remaining 2008 salary and buyout of 2009 option
    • White Sox declined 2009 option 10/30/08
  • 4 years/$34M (1997-2000)

    • signed extension with Seattle 1/31/1996
    • $2.5M signing bonus ($1M paid 2/96, $1.5M paid 1/97)
    • 97:$7.25M, 98:$7.75M, 99:$8.25M, 00:$8.25M
    • $5M ($1.25M/year) deferred without interest & paid 2001-04), reducing contract’s present value to $32.5M
    • acquired by Cincinnati in trade from Seattle 2/10/2000
  • 4 years/$24M (1993-96)

    • signed extension with Seattle 12/92
  • 2 years/$2.535M (1991-92)

    • signed extension with Seattle 3/1991
    • 91:$0.535M, 92:$2M
  • 1 year/$0.18M (1990)
  • 1 year/$68,000 (1989)
  • drafted by Seattle 1987 (1-1)
  • $0.16M signing bonus
  • agent: Brian Goldberg
  • ML service: 21.000