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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: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks

2016 Salary: $5.8 million(source: mlbtraderumors.com)

2016 Stats: 356 PA, .298/.428/.512, 2.9 WAR

Even in a down year for him, Paul Goldschmidt is one of the most valuable first basemen in the league. His mark of 2.9 WAR is good enough for 22nd in baseball, and is tied with Anthony Rizzo for the best among first basemen. His .428 OBP is currently third in the league, only trailing David Ortiz and Jose Altuve. Goldschmidt’s 63 walks are second in the league, with only Bryce Harper ahead of him.

Prior to the 2013 season, he inked a 5-year, $32 million deal with the Diamondbacks including a $14.5 million team option for 2019. When he first signed, the public reaction was not all positive. Many ripped the Diamondbacks for the move, even though he had a productive 2012.

Since then, he has silenced the doubters. In the last three seasons, he’s posted 18 Wins Above Replacement, including a career high 7.7 last season. In both 2013 and 2015, he finished second in NL MVP voting. He’s set to earn $8.8 million next season and $11 million in 2018, providing an ultra team-friendly deal.

Next: North Side Slugger

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