4. Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs, $8.403 million value; $12.286 million contract
Anthony Rizzo is probably the marketing face of the Cubs franchise, making his salary entirely defensible – arguably even a bargain – despite the fact that it isn’t fully covered by his on-field deeds.
Those deeds are both good and consistent. He produced a .520 slugging average in 2019 founded on 27 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .293 batting average. None of those were career highs, but they are predictable. Rizzo has delivered at least that much annually since 2015.
His .520 slugging average was only seventh best at the position, generating $4.43 million in value. But Rizzo had multiple assets. His .405 on base average was No. 1, justifying another $2.8 million. He was also relatively durable, playing 1,227 innings, the position’s eight best total. Add another $1 million plus change.
Finally, Rizzo could find the ball with the best of them. He racked up 123 assists, the second highest amongst MLB first baseman behind only Walker, and valued at $105,000.
The question for the Cubs is whether a similar line will be good enough going forward. Rizzo is signed through 2020 at $16.5 million, and the Cubs hold a similarly priced option for 2021. At $16.5 million, we’re talking real money, and Chicago’s interest in holding on to Rizzo for marketing purposes may hinge on what happens to the team on the field this year.