On September 9, Bleacher Report ranked the “Best Bargain Contract” for each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams this season. It can be summarized as a bargain or a bargain contract. In San Diego’s case, Kim Ha-seong, who is making $7 million this year, comes to mind. His defense is one of the best in the National League, according to various secondary stats. The offense hasn’t suffered from the collective slump of the team’s top hitters.
However, San Diego’s breakout signing of the season, according to Bleacher Report, is Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis is in the midst of a 14-year, $340 million contract through the 2021 season. However, according to Baseball-Reference, Tatis is making just $7.742 million this season.
Kim Ha-seong’s salary for the season is $7 million, so Tatis is making slightly more than Kim. According to local media reports at the time of his contract announcement, Tatis’ salary will not exceed $10 million ($11 million) for the first time until 2024 (Bleacher Report reported $11.7 million), followed by $36 million from 2029 through 2034.
Tatis rejoined the team in late April after serving a banned substance-related suspension. He started the season later than his teammates 안전놀이터, but has been more productive than them. Through nine days and 42 games, he is 179-for-46 with a .257 batting average, 11 home runs, 29 RBIs, 26 runs scored, seven doubles, a .492 on-base percentage, a .306 slugging percentage and a .798 OPS.
That’s far from overwhelming. Still, it’s the best production in San Diego alongside Juan Soto, so it’s fair to say he’s San Diego’s best bargain. He leads the team in home runs, RBI, OBP, OPS, and stolen bases, and is tied for third in runs scored. He has slightly better volume than Kim Ha-Sung.
According to Bleacher Report, “After spending 2022 on the sidelines, Tatis made a smooth transition to the outfield this season. He bounced back with 11 home runs and an OPS+ of 122. His salary jumps to $11.7 million next year and $20.7 million in 2025.”
Tatis shows that his hitting talent is still there after a year off. However, in absolute terms, in terms of total annualized salary, San Diego will not be happy with this performance. Tatis needs to improve his average and OPS.