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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Apr 11, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits an RBI-single against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits an RBI-single against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Robinson Cano, $153,871,800

Cano is already the 28th-highest paid player in MLB history and is only going to move up with six years remaining on his massive contract in Seattle.

Despite being a relatively unheralded prospect coming up through the New York Yankees organization, Cano found success with a 4.7 WAR campaign in 2007, his third full year in the big leagues. Cano went on to become one of the most prolific second basemen in MLB history at the plate from 2009-2013, posting no worse than a 124 wRC+.

Understandably, a number of suitors lined up for Cano the following winter, as the Yankees would offer no more than a seven-year, $175 million deal. The Mariners took advantage with a mammoth 10-year, $240 million contract to make Cano one of the highest paid players in the Majors.

While that’s a huge dollar figure for any free agent to live up to, Cano was excellent in both 2014 and 2016 to keep Seattle in the playoff race up until the final day of the season. Cano jumped up the career earnings list with another $24 million this season, and could near the $300 million mark by the end of his contract depending on incentives.

It may take at least one postseason appearance for the Mariners to feel good about the deal in a few years, but Cano has been worth it so far.

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