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The Biggest Bargains In Baseball

By Justin Koonce

Jun 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a sac fly during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a sac fly during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

2016 Salary: $3.5 million(source: cbssports.com)

2016 Stats: 362 PA, .357/.432/.572, 13 HR, 4.4 WAR

Jose Altuve was never a top 100 prospect or hailed as a franchise savior, but he is producing at an MVP level this season. His 4.4 wins above replacement this season rank second in the league, only trailing Angels star Mike Trout. However, Trout is collecting $15.2 million this season, compared to Altuve’s meager salary of $3.5 million.

After his breakout season in 2012, Altuve signed a 4 year, $12.5 million extension with Houston in July 2013 including team options for 2018 and 2019. It was a bit of a gamble on the Astros’ part, as he was only making the Major League minimum at the time. The extension has certainly paid off for Houston, as Altuve has morphed into one of the most valuable players in the game.

This season, he is currently tied for the highest average in baseball with Washington’s Daniel Murphy. He provides a steady defensive presence at second base, and he owns a 1.004 OPS and 170 OPS+ this season to go along with 21 stolen bases. Altuve has been the do-it-all player for the Houston Astros this season, and he is right in the thick of the AL MVP race.

He will continue to be incredibly cheap for the Astros through 2018, making him easily one of the biggest bargains in baseball.

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