As one of the top rated teams in the MLB, the Houston Astros are home to a lot of the Major League Baseball’s highest paid baseball players. As 2017 World Series winners, it is quite clear why this team has some of the most costly players. Today, we are going to look at the top 10 highest paid Astros players and what makes them so valuable.
1. Justin Verlander
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: SP
- 2019 Pay: $28 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $180 Million/7 Years
Verlander is a 36 year old starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who has been playing for the Astros since 2017. He has previously played for the Detroit Tigers from 2005-2017 where he racked up many different awards as a pitcher. He is an 8 time all star with a single World Series win under his belt. He has pitched three no hitters and is a current member of the 3,000 strikeout club. Verlander is currently in a 7 year contract with the Astros for an astonishing $180 Million.
2. Michael Brantley
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: LF
- 2019 Pay: $16 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $32 Million/2 Years
Brantley is a 32 year old outfielder for the Houston Astros who has been with the team for only one season. Previously playing for the Cleveland Indians, Brandtley pulled a 9 year stint with the team from 2009-2018. Awards in his career include 4 all star games and the Silver Slugger award in 2014. Michael is currently in a 2 year contract with the Houston Astros for a total of $32 Million.
3. Gerrit Cole
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: SP
- 2019 Pay: $13.5 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $13.5 Million/1 Year
Playing alongside Verlander, Gerrit Cole is another starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. At a young age of 29, Cole has played for the Astros since 2018 and with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2013-2017. Cole is no stranger to records and awards as he holds 3 All-Star games appearances, was the AL ERA leader in 2019 while also holding the title of the MLB strikeout leader in 2019. These accomplishments have landed him a 1 year, $13.5 Million contract with the Houston Astros.
4. Josh Reddick
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: RF
- 2019 Pay: $13 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $52 Million/4 Years
Josh Reddick is a 32 year old outfielder for the Houston Astros who has been with the team since 2017. Reddick has seen his fair share of teams since his MLB debut in 2009 playing for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Houston Astros. Reddick has one World Series win under his belt with the Astros and was a winner of the Gold Glove Award in 2012. In 2018, Reddick hit two grand slams in one month making his the second Astro player to do so in franchise history. The first being Jeff Bagwell in May 2011. He is currently under a 4 year, $52 Million contract with the Astros.
5. George Springer
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: CF
- 2019 Pay: $12 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $24 Million/2 Years
George Spring is a 30 year old outfielder who plays for the Houston Astros and has been with the team since his MLB debut in 2014. As a freshman in high school, Springer was already playing on the Varsity team which made him a top contender for scouters. In 2008, he was selected to the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the MLB draft. He was selected by the Astros in the 2011 MLB draft as the 11th overall selection, making him Connecticut’s highest selection in an MLB draft. He has 3 all star game appearances, a World Series championship, a World Series MVP award, and a Silver Slugger award. Springer is currently under a 2 year, $24 million contract with the Houston Astros.
6. Yuli Gurriel
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: 1B
- 2019 Pay: $10 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $47.5 million/5 Years
Yuli Gurriel is a 35 year old first baseman who plays for the Houston Astros. Yuli has been with the Houston Astros since his MLB debut in 2016 when he was drafted in the first round. Gurriel has racked up a World Series win and an All-World Baseball Classic Team appearance in his career, but the awards don’t stop there. Yuli also has over 15 different medals playing for Cuba’s baseball team in various competitions all over the world. Yuli currently has a 5 year, $47.5 Millon contract with the Houston Astros.
7. Jose Altuve
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: 2B
- 2019 Pay: $9.5 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $163.5 Million/7 Years
Vulture is a 29 year old second baseman for the Houston Astros who has been with Houston since his MLB debut in 2011. He was signed to the Astros in 2007 as an amatuer free agent and served a 4 year stint in the minor leagues before his major league debut. He has had 6 all star appearances, a World Series championship, 2 MVP awards, a Gold Glove Award, 5 silver slugger awards, an AL Hank Aaron Award, 3 AL batting championships, and 2 AL stolen base leader titles. He is currently in a 7 year, $163.5 million contract with the Houston Astros.
8. Joe Smith
Image Credit: ESPN
Position: RP
2019 Pay: $8 Million
Total Contract Pay: $15 Million/2 Years
Joe Smith is a 35 year old relief pitcher for the Houston Astros who has been with the Astros since 2018. Smith has played for his fair share of teams since his 2007 MLB debut including the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and of course the Houston Astros. Joe is currently in a 2 year, $15 million contract with the Astros.
9. Roberto Osuna
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: RP
- 2019 Pay: $6.5 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $5.8 Million/1 year
Roberto Osuna is a 24 year old pitcher for the Houston Astros who has played for the Astros since 2018. Since his MLB debut in 2015, Osuna has only played for two teams, the Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays. Roberto made an appearance in the All Star game in 2017 and was the AL saves leader in 2019. He is currently in a 1 year contract with the Astros for a total of $6.5 million.
10. Collin McHugh
Image Credit: ESPN
- Position: SP
- Yearly Pay: $5.8 Million
- Total Contract Pay: $5.8 Million/1 Year
Collin McHugh is a 32 year old starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is completing his 5th year with the Astros. McHugh made his MLB debut in 2012 where he played for one year with the New York Mets and then one year with the Colorado Rockies. In 2014, McHugh was claimed off waivers by the Astros. He has a single World Series championship under his belt and is currently in a 1 year, $5.8 million contract with the Astros.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 highest paid Houston Astros players of 2019. With the wide diversity of talented players, it is no surprise that their salaries are so high. To show off your love for baseball and let everyone know what your favorite sport is, check out the high quality baseball jewelry at All In Faith. With a full line of faith based baseball jewelry, you can easily find a necklace that allows you to show off your passion for God and love for baseball.