For those of you under a certain age, the answer is no, these aren’t two sleeper prospects for your 2020 Fantasy Baseball roster. In 1953, Clyde McPhatter was the lead singer of the Drifters when they recorded “Money Honey” (later covered by Elvis Presley). Not to be confused with the Lady Gaga song, it’s lyrics include…
Well, I learned my lesson and now I know–
The sun may shine and the wind may blow–
Women may come, and the women may go,
But before I say I love ’em so,
I want–money, honey!
Money, honey
Money, honey,
If you wanna get along with me.
The fledgling Motown Records was provided with important capital when Barrett Strong hit the charts in 1960 with “Money, That’s What I Want” (later covered by the Beatles).
The best things in life are free–
But you can keep ’em for the birds and bees,
Now give me money, (that’s what I want), that’s what I want.
As this off-season has been much more fruitful for free agent signings, a look at the landscape tells you that clubs don’t seem as wary of long-term deals as in the recent past. So, let’s give you an opportunity to once again be a General Manager. Based on some minimal research, it appears that there are over 20 current major league players who are already under contract to make at least $20 Million for the 2023 season. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to determine which of these players you would really want on your roster in 2023 at these prices. The figures may not always represent the average salary of a long-term deal, as some contracts are back-loaded. The player’s age for that season is listed to help with your analysis. As you read the names and think, “This guy is on the downside of his career”, remember that three more full seasons need to be played before these salaries come due. And when you wonder if the 2020 market decisions will pay off, make believe you have to write the check.
> Anthony Rendon, age 32, $38.5 Million
> Mike Trout, age 31, $37 Million
> Gerrit Cole, age 32, $36 Million
> Nolan Arenado, age 31, $35 Million
> Stephen Strasburg, age 34, $35 Million
> Miguel Cabrera, age 39, $32 Million
> Giancarlo Stanton, age 33, $32 Million
> Manny Machado, age 30, $32 Million
> Jacob deGrom, age 34, $30.5 Million
> Alex Bregman, age 28, $30 Million
> Jose Altuve, age 32, $29 Million
> Bryce Harper, age 30, $27.5 Million
> Chris Sale, age 33, $27.5 Million
> Paul Goldschmidt, age 35, $26 Million
> Joey Votto, age 39, $25 Million
> Zack Wheeler, age 32, $24.5 Million
> Jason Heyward, age 33, $24.5 Million
> Patrick Corbin, age 33, $24.4 Million
> Robinson Cano, age 40, $24 Million
> Madison Bumgarner, age 33, $23 Million
> Josh Doanldson, age 37, $21 Million
> Hyun-Jin Ryu, age 35, $20 Million
OK, GM…how many of these paupers are on your team in 2023? More than five? Of course, it’s an easier commitment when you don’t have to write the check.
Wow, this is almost as difficult as owning a Fantasy team. My dilemma in March is deciding how many contract years to extend Shane Bieber.
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