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 14, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) runs the bases after he hits a single in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) runs the bases after he hits a single in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Victor Martinez, $105.8 million

One of the purest hitters in the league, Martinez has enjoyed a very profitable career, primarily with the Detroit Tigers. Over the years, the Tigers have not been shy about ponying up to pay and keep their veteran players, and Martinez has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this profligate pattern of spending. He is in the middle of a four-year extension for $50 million, coming on the heels of a deal that paid him $68 million over the previous four years.

Martinez is coming off a very productive season at the age of 37 that saw him slash .289/.351/.476 with 27 home runs. This was a nice recovery from a down year in 2015. In 14 years in the big leagues, Martinez has a .301/.366/.467 line with 1,936 hits. Because he spent his early career as a catcher, Martinez could be in line for induction to the Hall of Fame.

The Tigers have sunk a lot of money into a rapidly-aging team, and Martinez is no exception. Detroit will pay him $36 million over the next two years. After the current deal expires, that could signal the end to a very productive career for the native of Venezuela.

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