The catcher in baseball is often an under-appreciated but an extremely crucial position in the game. While catchers are not typically the star players of the team, they are important to the game. In this article we are going to look at the highest paid catchers in all of Major League Baseball for 2014.
5. Russell Martin – Pittsburg Pirates – Earnings: $9,500,000
Seeing his 9th year in professional baseball, Russell Martin comes in at number 5 on our list. It may surprise people that The Pirates made our list but Russell Martin is making a good deal of money being their catcher. Originally from Canada, Martin went to play with the Dodgers for a few years and played well, even making the all-start team. However he had some rocky years and the Dodgers wanted to cut his pay, but he refused, leading him to sign with the Yankees. He was decent on the Yankees until he inevitably went to the Pittsburg Pirates.
4. Miguel Montero – Arizona Diamondbacks – Earnings: $10,000,000
Next up on our list is Miguel Montero, the Venezuelan born catcher who plays for the Diamondbacks. Montero has been with the Diamondbacks for 8 years, and has not played for any other Major League Baseball team. Montero has seen a lot of success with the Diamondbacks and has been a solid catcher, earning him a $60 million contract renewal. However his past season was not too great and the Diamondbacks are hoping that their catcher can bounce back.
3. Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants – Earnings: $12,777,777
Coming in at number 3 on our list is Gerald “Buster” Posey. Posey joined up with the Giant’s in 2009 and since then has seen two World Series wins. Posey was an extremely desirable player before he went into the Majors, and was a 5th round pick in 2008. He has since proven to be a valuable asset to the Giants. Posey has won the Rookie of the Year award in 2010 and the National Leagues MVP award in 2012.
2. Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals -Earnings- $15,200,000
At number 2 on our list is Yadier Molina. Molina is a fantastic overall player, and has been a key asset for the Cardinals when they went on to secure their 2006 and 2011 World Series victories. At 32 years of age, Molina has been with the Cardinals since 2004. This six time MLB All-Star and six time Golden Glove recipient throws out 45% of stolen base attempts, which isn’t too shabby. Molina also has 2 brothers who were also catchers in the MLB and who have also won the World Series. So it’s no surprise why Molina is so high up on our lists, since he comes from a family of proven catchers.
1. Brian McCann – New York Yankees – Earnings: $17,000,000
Brian McCann, who makes our number 1 spot earning $17 million in 2014, is one of the best catchers in the game. Playing for the Yankees, McCann recently signed a 5-year $85 million dollar contract. Of his 10 year career, 9 of those years were spent playing for the Atlanta Braves. Over the span of his career, McCann has won the All-Star award 7 times and won the Silver Slugger award once, making him a valuable player.
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