Fansided

Major League Baseball’s 30 richest active players

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

29. Jered Weaver, $102.3 million

As you will see while reading through this list, it pays to be a pitcher in the big leagues today. Coming off a five-year deal for $85 million with the Angels, Jered Weaver is looking to re-establish himself as a useful starter in the big leagues. At the age of 34, and with over 2,000 innings on his right arm, Weaver is entering the downward arc of his career.

So far, Weaver has had a very good 11-year run in the big leagues. He has won 150 games and sports a respectable 3.55 career ERA. His three All-Star seasons from 2010 to 2012 played a big part in helping him earn that big contract extension with the Halos. As he joins the San Diego Padres for the 2017 season, Weaver will be looking to improve on a 12-12 season in 2016 that saw him finish with an ERA over 5.00 for the first time in his career.

Disappointing as the end of his run with the Angels may have been, Weaver gave the franchise 11 very good seasons, earning Cy Young votes in three straight years. His $85-million contract would be a bargain by today’s open-market standards. If he is able to grow into his new role as a soft-tossing right-hander in the National League in the mold of Bartolo Colon, Weaver could easily add $25 million to his career earnings before he hangs up the spikes.

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