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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Aug 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) hits a single during the first inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) hits a single during the first inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Ryan Howard, 1B- $130,255,000

Howard was the premier home run hitter in the National League almost from the time he saw his first extended action in the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2005 when he won the Rookie of the Year after hitting 22 home runs in 312 at bats.

The next year saw Howard win the MVP when he smacked 58 home runs and 149 runs batted in while making his first All-Star game. The next three seasons saw Howard hit 47, 48 and 45 home runs with 136, 146 and 141 RBI as he had four straight seasons with at least 40 hr and 135 RBI.

Howard finished in the top five of MVP voting each of those four seasons, but the pinnacle of that four-year run was when he led the Phillies to the 2008 World Series over Tampa Bay.

However, Howard was never quite the same player after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs in 2011 and has yet to reach the 30 HR or 100 RBI plateau since and has three years and $73 million remaining on his current deal.

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