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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Sep 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Joe Mauer, Catcher/1B/DH – $126,025,000

From 2006-2010 Mauer played as well as any catcher has in baseball since Mike Piazza and looked like his plaque would be handing in Cooperstown at the MLB hall of Fame five years after he retired when he won three batting titles and finished in the top eight of MVP voting each year, including winning the award in 2009.

Mauer’s 2009 season was an historic season as he led the AL with a .365 average, .444 on-base percentage and .587 slugging percentage while hitting a career-high 28 home runs and driving in 98 runs, also a career-high for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Injuries reared their ugly head in 2011 when he was forced to miss half the season, but he rebounded nicely in 2012 when he led the league with a .416 on-base percentage only to miss significant time again in 2013 and 2014. His time behind the dish is long over as Mauer transitions to first base in an effort to keep his knees and legs healthy.

Mauer never saw the 28-home run pop return to his bat, but his career average of .319 and .401 OBP make him the best catcher in the AL of his generation and merits a spot in the Hall of Fame.

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