Fansided

30 highest career MLB salaries

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) waves to the fans after playing his final game as a Yankee against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) waves to the fans after playing his final game as a Yankee against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) in action during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) in action during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Ryan Howard, $180,255,000

The Philadelphia Phillies awarded Howard what is considered one of the worst extensions in baseball in 2010, helping him crack $180 million in lifetime earnings.

Howard debuted briefly in 2004 and instantly became one of the most productive middle of the order hitters in the Majors, winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award in his first full season. One year later in 2006, Howard captured the MVP Award with a 162 wRC+ while making all of $355,000

The Phillies gave Howard $900,000 the following year, the most expensive contract ever for a non-arbitration player, and he won his case the next season for a record $10 million. A three-year, $54 million deal bought out Howard’s remaining three years of arbitration prior to the 2009 season, in which Philadelphia reached its second straight World Series.

Just one year later, the Phillies signed Howard to a five-year, $125 million extension despite his lack of defensive value. Injuries quickly slowed Howard down, and the Phillies released him following his third straight below replacement value campaign in 2016.

The contract is finally off the books for Philadelphia after this season, while Howard will attempt a comeback with the Atlanta Braves later this summer.

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