15 MLB Players Who Will Earn a Big Pay Raise in 2013
What 15 Players Could Earn Contract Extensions, Pay Raises Before 2014?
Some 21-year-olds are interested in raising their alcohol glasses. Some 21-year-olds are interested in raising their GPAs. Other 21-year-olds are interested in “raising the roof” whenever they’re out at the club or doing whatever nonsensical things that kids do nowadays.
If you’re Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, then you’re probably interested in a big pay raise. Most 21-year-olds would love to have an annual salary of $510,000. But after a season when he finished second in the American League MVP voting behind Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, Trout knows that his next contract will make him filthy rich.
2012 was the official rookie season for Trout. At age 20, Trout became the first player in MLB history to hit at least 30 home runs, steal 45 bases and score 125 runs in one season. He balanced that off with a great batting average and Gold Glove-caliber defense (although he was also snubbed from that). He hasn’t even started to reach his potential.
Trout isn’t the only player who will earn a big pay raise within the next 12 months. At age 20, Bryce Harper will look to duplicate on what Trout did in 2012. There are many other players who, while they’re not as good or complete of a package, are major assets to their clubs. They’re either approaching free agency or eligibility for arbitration within the next two seasons. They’re looking to increase their worth before they ink their contract extensions.
In the next two seasons, these 15 players will earn significant pay raises. They’ll earn those paydays through arbitration eligibility or contract extensions. Please note that “Arbitration eligible 2014” means after the 2013 MLB season. Dates for arbitration eligibility don’t include Super 2 considerations. Continue with slideshow.
Robinson Cano (New York Yankees, Free Agent 2014)
When Robinson Cano tests free agency after the 2013 season, he reportedly wants a contract that exceeds $20 million per season. Not a bad raise for a 30-year-old second baseman who’ll make $15 million in 2013. What impact will it have now that Cano replaced Scott Boras with Jay-Z.
Todd Frazier (Cincinnati Reds, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
Filling in as a utility corner infielder for Scott Rolen and Joey Votto, Todd Frazier earned a starting opportunity in 2013. Another good season could mean a lucrative extension for the 27-year-old Frazier.
Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
Bryce Harper has yet to complete a full year of MLB service. That didn’t stop him from hitting two homers in the Nationals’ Opening Day 2013 game. If he’s anything like Mike Trout was at age 20, Harper could see an extension before the start of 2014.
Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves, Arbitration Eligible)
Arbitration was avoided when Jason Heyward and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $3.65 million. Heyward could earn another raise if he continues to evolve into the five-tool outfielder that many experts expected when he debuted in 2010.
Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers, Arbitration Eligible, Free Agent 2015)
Let’s consider that Clayton Kershaw is the ace of the Dodgers’ starting rotation. They just gave Zack Greinke a six-year, $147 million contract. In 2013, Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley will make more than $10 million.
Just before the 2013 season started, Justin Verlander signed a contract extension through the 2020 season. If Verlander sees the end of it, he could make $202 million.
Kershaw is five years younger and left-handed. As long as he stays healthy, the former National League Cy Young winner should see his huge payday very soon.
Craig Kimbrel (Atlanta Braves, Arbitration Eligible 2014)
Coming off one of the most dominant seasons in MLB history from any closer, Craig Kimbrel will make just $655,000 in 2013. There's no doubt that his price tag will increase a few millions when he becomes a first-time arbitration participant in 2014.
Jason Kipnis (Cleveland Indians, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley are two of the Indians’ top young players who will either receive extensions or arbitration deals before 2015. Brantley is scheduled for 2014.
Wade Miley (Arizona Diamondbacks, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
What a difference that one season makes. Wade Miley almost started the 2012 season at Triple-A. Instead, Miley pitched his way into second place in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Bryce Harper finished with 112 points. Miley had 105.
In 2013, Miley will make $500,500. Another strong season could mean a longer commitment from the Diamondbacks.
Anthony Rizzo (Chicago Cubs, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
How will Anthony Rizzo respond now that opposing pitchers have gotten more film on him? Rizzo responded when he hit a homer in his first at-bat—and his first pitch—on Opening Day. The Cubs need to see a bigger sample before they commit more money to him.
Wilin Rosario (Colorado Rockies, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
It always helps a hitter when they’re playing at Coors Field. In 2012, Wilin Rosario enjoyed a rookie season when he hit 28 homers in 396 at-bats. In 2013, the 24-year-old catcher will make $491,000.
Jeff Samardzija (Chicago Cubs, Arbitration Eligible)
Arbitration was avoided when Jeff Samardzija and the Cubs reached a one-year, $2.64 million agreement. If Samardzija pitches like he did on Opening Day 2013, then he’ll get that long-term extension—and soon.
Pablo Sandoval (San Francisco Giants, Free Agent 2015)
One of the heroes from the 2012 World Series, Pablo Sandoval will make $5.7 million in 2013. But if Sandoval can stay healthy and continue his pace as a career .303 hitter with solid power, then someone will shell out a huge contract when he becomes a free agent after the 2014 season.
Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins, Arbitration Eligible 2014)
Is there anyone looking forward to 2014 more than Giancarlo Stanton? The 23-year-old slugger has 93 career homers in 1,328 at-bats. Despite that, he won’t qualify for arbitration before the end of the 2013 season. Not only does he have to play on a team with a lackluster roster but he’ll have to play for $537,000 for an owner who has winning at the bottom of his priorities list.
Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals, Arbitration Eligible 2014)
When will the Nationals take a leap of faith and give Stephen Strasburg a long-term contract extension? Another solid and healthy season should convince management to increase his $3.9 million salary from 2013.
Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels, Arbitration Eligible 2015)
This was already discussed on the opening slide.
Joshua Huffman is a contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your LinkedIn and Google networks.
