So in baseball history we don’t have 160 million dollar deals happening often but there are a few. In today’s news Matt Kemp is expected to sign a deal worth 160 million dollars. Each time a mega deal happens I always look to see if they should actually get this much money. I have to say up to this point I think most of the deals had a valid reason. So I am going to take a look into what these players who signed 160 million dollar deals did before they signed them.
CC Sabathia –
Before signing his 161 million dollar deal with the New York Yankees in 2009, he had never posted a losing season in his career. He was a three time all-star and won the 2007 Cy Young award, in 2008 he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and posted one of the greatest 13 games runs carrying the Brewers to there first National League playoff appearance.
Joe Mauer –
Before signing his 184 million dollar deal with the Minnesota Twins in 2010, he came into the league in 2004 but only played 35 games. So we will look at his next 5 seasons. He batted over .328 in three out of five season with .365 being his high. He won the batting title three times , was also an all-star three times , 2 time gold glove winner , and a 3 time silver slugger award winner. However, his 2009 AL MVP award is proven to be his biggest career highlight.
Alex Rodriguez –
Before signing his first massive contract with the Texas Rangers in 2001, He came into the league in 94 but didn’t play much in 94 or 95. He started being a full time player in 96. So in five seasons leading up to his deal with the Rangers. In four of the fives seasons he had 36 or more homeruns and 111 or more runs batted in. He was also a four time all-star and four time silver slugger award winner. He only spent 3 seasons with the Rangers before being traded to the Yankees. In the seven seasons leading up to his second massive contract hit 35 HR+ / 106 RBIs+ in each season. Along with being a seven time all-star , 5 time silver slugger winner , 2 time gold glove winner and 3 time AL MVP award winner.
Derek Jeter –
Before signing his 189 million dollar contract with the New York Yankees in 2001, He came into the league in 95 and only played 15 games so we are going to look at the five season before signing the deal. He won the Rookie of the year award in 96 , He batted over .314 in four of five seasons, he also made the all-star team 3 times and had over 200 hits in a season 3 times. He also helped them win four World Series titles before breaking the bank.
Mark Teixeira –
Before signing his 180 million dollar contract with the New York Yankees in 2009 , In the six season he hit 30+ homeruns and 105+ runs batted in , five of the six season. He was a 2 time gold glove winner , 2 time silver slugger winner , and a one time all-star.
So after looking at what all of these players did before they got there massive deals they actually had the stats and reason to give it to them. Now onto why I don’t think Matt Kemp should be put into this class of players.
Matt Kemp –
Before his expected 160 million dollar contract with the LA Dodgers in 2011 but before the 2012 season. He came into the league in 2006 and only played 52 games that season followed by only 98 the next season. Over the next four seasons he only hit over 30 homeruns one time , 2 time gold glove winner , 1 time NL HR leader , 1 NL RBI leader , 2 time silver slugger award winner. He is also a member of the 30/30 club , as well as the 2011 MVP winner.
So after looking at all the stats before these players broke the bank and comparing them to the newest overpaid baseball player Matt Kemp , it is just plain stupid to reward a player this much money after one great season. Who is to say this season didn’t just happen because the Dodgers were pretty much out of the race all season long and no one was scared to pitch to one player.
At least the 5 other players who broke the bank actually had 5 or more season of being a good baseball player. None of them were just handed a monster check on one season. This contract has to make you think that Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are going to get paid around 250 million or more. I would go into there stats and show you what they’ve done but we already know what they’ve done.
However, I realize how some of you may think I am wrong. I bet there are a few of you who could go find a player who should be paid the same or more then Matt Kemp is going to be paid. So now I am just setting myself up for more players to get way over paid.