Fansided

Derek Jeter and the 20 highest career salaries in MLB

By Patrick Schmidt

Sep 25, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) tips his hat in the ninth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) tips his hat in the ninth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 15, 2013; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana throws a pitch during spring training at Legends Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2013; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana throws a pitch during spring training at Legends Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /

6. Johan Santana, SP – $161,497,269

Santana was hoping to crack the Baltimore Orioles rotation this season as he recovered form shoulder surgery, but a torn Achilles ended those dreams and his future in the big leagues is very much in doubt, but he’s still technically an active player.

From 2003-2008, Santana was arguably the greatest pitcher going as the lefty had a devastating changeup that kept hitters off balance and couldn’t key in on his fastball. With two Cy Youngs and four other years finishing in the top-seven, Santana was on the Hall of Fame path before shoulder injuries derailed his road to Cooperstown.

Santana owns a career record of 139-78 with a 3.20 ERA and three times led the league in ERA and strikeouts.

You have to wonder what those numbers would look like today had his body not betrayed him at the end of his career. Sure you can say that about a number of pitchers (Kerry Wood and Mark Prior) but Santana was robbed of a shot at 200 career wins and a chance at the Hall of Fame.

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