Breaking Down the 2012 Seattle Mariners Payroll Obligations: A Fan’s Take

The Seattle Mariners payroll is something that got debated a lot this offseason, especially as the team tries to pursue free agents. One of the names that many fans want to see joining the organization is Prince Fielder, a first baseman who could really help to transform the offense for the Mariners.

The Mariners payroll ballooned to nearly $118 million in 2008, but the team should come in around $90 -$95 million for the 2012 season. The good thing is that former players are off the books, including Milton Bradley, Carlos Silva and Yuniesky Betancourt, three players that the Mariners still owed money to in 2011.

Below is a breakdown of what the 2012 payroll looks like through Friday, Dec. 30. Players listed at $425,000 have not yet reached arbitration, but could come in a few thousand above or below that number based on service time when the 2012 season begins.

Included are a number of players that could wind up at Triple-A Tacoma, but whom the Mariners will still have to pay. I have also listed the three arbitration eligible pitchers (Brandon League, Shawn Kelley and Jason Vargas) with their 2011 salary and what arbitration year they are entering. Obviously players like Danny Hultzen have deals that will kick in under minor league contracts and the Mariners also need to sign a fifth starting pitcher.

Taking into account just the players currently under contract for the 2012 season, the Mariners are looking at roughly a $73 million payroll before the arbitration cases come in.

Starting Rotation

Felix Hernandez—$19.2 million

Jason Vargas - Arbitration 2 ($2.45 million in 2011)

Michael Pineda—$425,000

Blake Beavan—$425,000

Bullpen

Brandon League - Arbitration 4 ($2.25 million in 2011)

Shawn Kelley - Arbitration 1 ($420,000 in 2011)

George Sherrill—$1 million

Lucas Leutge—$425,000

Tom Wilhelmsen—$425,000

Charlie Furbush—$425,000

Chance Ruffin—$425,000

Infield

Chone Figgins—$9.5 million

Dustin Ackley—$1.5 million

Brendan Ryan—$1.75 million

Justin Smoak—$425,000

Kyle Seager—$425,000

Alex Liddi—$425,000

Outfield

Ichiro Suzuki—$18 million

Franklin Gutierrez—$5.813 million

Mike Carp—$425,000

Casper Wells—$425,000

Trayvon Robinson—$425,000

Carlos Peguero—$425,000

Michael Saunders—$425,000

Catchers

Miguel Olivo—$3.75 million

Adam Moore—$425,000

John Jaso—$425,000

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References:

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*Ryan is a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan who never misses an opportunity to attend a game at Safeco Field. He has been attending games since 1985, and has fond memories of The Kingdome, Edgar Martinez, and the historic 1995 team. Sodo Mojo!

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