10. Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks/Houston Astros, $13.433 million value; $36.5 million salary
Between Arizona and Houston, Greinke produced 208.2 innings, the MLB’s sixth-best total. That factor alone justified $5.352 million in salary. His 187 strikeouts, however, stood only 28th, creating an additional $2.422 million. Greinke is top 10 because his 154 ERA+ was MLB’s 10th best, adding a final $5.678 million to his value.
He remains under contract to the Astros for $35 million in 2020 and 2021, part of which is being paid by the Diamondbacks.
9. Patrick Corbin, Washington Nationals, $13.455 million value; $12.917 million salary
Like Castillo, Corbin produced a consistent statistical profile that translated to his 9th rank. His 202 innings of work stood 14th in MLB, worth $5.173 million. He added 238 strikeouts, 10th best and equating to $3.083 million. His 141 ERA+ was 15th best, valuing at a final $5.199 million.
Corbin will have to produce for the Nats at an accelerated level; they owe him $19 million to $35 million annually through 2024.
Charlie Morton. Tampa Bay Rays, $13.466 million value; $15 million salary
Morton delivered a relatively light workload, his 194.2 innings ranking just 21st overall. He offset that with 240 strikeouts, MLB’s ninth-best total and worth $3.109 million. Morton’s 146 ERA+ was the 11th best, equivalent to $5.383 million.
Morton, who is 36, is under contract to the Rays through 2021.