Meet the Highest Paid Toronto Blue Jays Player: A Deep Dive
Hello there, baseball enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of the Toronto Blue Jays to find out who's raking in the big bucks. We're talking about the highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player. So, grab your Blue Jays cap and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest paid blue jays player.
The Blue Jays' Salary Landscape
Before we reveal the big guns, let's take a quick peek at the Blue Jays' salary landscape. As of the 2021 season, the Blue Jays' total team salary is around $135 million, according to Spotrac. This places them in the middle of the pack among all Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.
The Blue Jays' payroll is a mix of veteran players with hefty contracts and young talent earning league minimum salaries. But who's bringing home the bacon? Let's find out!
The Reigning King of the Blue Jays' Payroll
Drumroll, please! The highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player is none other than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Now, you might be thinking, "But Vlad Jr. is still on his rookie contract!" And you're right! But here's the thing - starting in 2022, Vlad Jr. will be eligible for arbitration, and we can expect his salary to skyrocket.
But for now, let's talk about his current contract. Vlad Jr. signed a 4-year, $80 million contract with the Blue Jays back in 2020. This deal includes a club option for a fifth year, which is expected to be exercised by the Blue Jays.
Why Guerrero Jr. is Worth Every Penny
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not just the highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player - he's also one of the most exciting players in all of baseball. The 22-year-old slugger burst onto the scene in 2019, and he hasn't looked back since.
In his first full season in 2020, Vlad Jr. hit .262 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs in just 60 games. He also led the league in doubles (20) and extra-base hits (27). And if that wasn't impressive enough, he did all this while dealing with a nagging injury.
In 2021, Vlad Jr. has picked up right where he left off. He's currently hitting .315 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs through mid-July. He's also leading the league in doubles (26) and extra-base hits (44) once again.
Other Highly Paid Blue Jays
While Vlad Jr. is the highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player, he's not the only Blue Jay bringing home a hefty paycheck. Here are a few other Blue Jays who are among the team's highest-paid players:
George Springer
George Springer joined the Blue Jays in 2021 on a 6-year, $150 million contract. The 31-year-old outfielder is a former World Series MVP and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He's currently hitting .275 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs for the Blue Jays.
Hyun Jin Ryu
Hyun Jin Ryu signed a 4-year, $80 million contract with the Blue Jays before the 2020 season. The 35-year-old left-hander is a two-time All-Star and won the 2020 NL ERA title with a sparkling 2.84 ERA. He's currently on the injured list but is expected to return soon.
Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette is the son of former MLB player Dante Bichette and is one of the Blue Jays' young stars. He's currently making league minimum salary, but that's about to change. Bo Bichette is arbitration eligible for the first time in 2022, and we can expect his salary to jump significantly.
The Future of the Blue Jays' Payroll
The Blue Jays have a talented young core that includes Vlad Jr., Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and others. As these players continue to develop and reach arbitration eligibility, we can expect the Blue Jays' payroll to increase significantly.
The Blue Jays also have some big contracts coming off the books in the next few years, which will give them more flexibility to spend. And with a new TV deal on the horizon, the Blue Jays could have even more money to spend on players.
So, while Vlad Jr. is currently the highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player, it's an exciting time to be a Blue Jays fan. The future is bright in Toronto, and we can't wait to see what's next for this talented team.
That's all for now, folks! Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the world of the highest paid Toronto Blue Jays player. Be sure to check back soon for more Blue Jays news and analysis. Until next time, go Jays!