This is the biggest contract, in terms of total dollars, in the history of Major League Baseball. But, here's why I think the Miami Marlins are bargain shoppers when it comes to Giancarlo Stanton.

Both sides have finalized terms on a staggering 13-year contract worth $325 million. But, looking into the numbers a bit more you'll find other guys in the league who make more.

Stanton's contract averages $25 miller per year - or as I heard someone report the other day, roughly $50,000 per at bat. If you do that math that's $154,320.98 per game when you figure 162 games per year between now and 2027.

Stanton's per-year paycheck actually varies by year and is 'back loaded'. For instance, he's only going to make $6.5 million next year, reports ESPN:

According to a major league source who had seen the terms, Stanton's salaries over those first three seasons will be only $6.5 million in 2015, $9 million in 2016 and $14.5 million in 2017, far less than he could have earned through arbitration in 2015 and 2016 and then via free agency. He would earn $77 million over the next three seasons and could opt out of the contract after 2020, following his age 30 season.

But, that's still less per game than both of Alex Rodriguez's mega-deals and those were signed years ago (2001, 2008):

  1. 10-years, $252 million (average - $25.2 mil per year or $155,555.55 per game)
  2. 10-years $275 million (average - 27.5 mil per year or $169,753.09 per game)

Albert Pujols a few years back singed a 10-year $254 million dollar contract, at the age of 32 and is clearly on the downside of his career. That's $156,790 per game for a guy who is past his prime, not approaching it.

Rob Carr, Getty Images
Rob Carr, Getty Images
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And, when you factor in his contract extension, the Detroit Tigers gave Miguel Cabrera $292 million over ten years. Or, an average of $29.2 million a year/ $180,246.91 each game.

My point is, the length of the deal and it's total amount are new record highs, but really the deal is less than the others, especially considering inflation and that fact that Station is just 25 with the potential to be a preeminent offensive player and perennial MVP candidate for the next 8-10 years.

 

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