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Salaries continue to soar in Major League Baseball as 36 players will make at least $ 20 million in total earnings this season, up from 21 players just three years ago.
However, unlike the other major sports in North America, when it comes to paying players, there are some stark contrasts in team payrolls and how much some teams pay their top players.
Below we take a look at the highest-paid player on every tea, starting with the teams that have the lowest of the highest-paid players.
Salaries and contract information via Spotrac.com and BaseballProspectus.com.
Oakland A’s: Ryan Madson — $ 7.5 million
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Team: Oakland A’s
Position: Relief pitcher
2016 WAR: 0.3 Wins
Contract: 3 years, $ 22.0 million (through 2018)
One thing to know: Only three teams have smaller payrolls than the A’s, who were at $ 70.6 million on opening day.
Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria — $ 13.0 million
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Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Position: Third base
2016 WAR: 4.5 Wins
Contract: years, $ million (through)
One thing to know: Nobody else on the Rays makes more than $ 5.3 million.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen — $ 14.0 million
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Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Position: Outfielder
2016 WAR: 0.7 Wins
Contract: 6 years, $ 51.5 million (through 2017 with a 2018 team option for $ 14.5 million)
One thing to know: McCutchen has rebounded offensively this season, but has become a liability in recent years defensively. There is a good chance he will be moved this year prior to the trade the deadline.
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