Cincinnati Reds’ fourth-highest paid on payroll is 53 years old

The Cincinnati Reds‘ payroll heading into the 2023 season includes the deferred money of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who hasn't played in nearly 13 years. Griffey's deferred average salary since 2009 is $3.6 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid player on the Reds' payroll for the upcoming season. While his deferred money doesn't receive as much attention as Bobby Bonilla‘s notorious contract, it's a reminder of the long-term financial commitments made in professional sports.

Key Points

• Griffey Jr. will make $3.6 million in 2023, making him the fourth-highest-paid player on the Reds' payroll.
• Griffey's deferred average salary since 2009 is $3,593,750.
• The Reds signed Griffey to a nine-year, $116.5 million deal in 2000, with $57.5 million deferred from 2009-24.
• The Reds' final deferred payment to Griffey comes in 2024.
• Wil Myers, Mike Moustakas, and Joey Votto are the only players on the Reds' payroll set to make more than Griffey in 2023.
• Joey Votto will make $25 million in 2023, but his contract ends after the 2023 season.
• Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 and is seventh on MLB's all-time home run list.

Big Picture: Cincinnati Reds' long-term financial commitments to Ken Griffey Jr.

Griffey's deferred money on the Reds payroll is just one example of the long-term financial commitments made in professional sports. Contracts can include deferred money, signing bonuses, and incentives that extend beyond a player's active years. These commitments can have long-lasting impacts on a team's payroll and financial flexibility. While some players may no longer be on the field, their deferred money still counts against the team's salary cap, which can limit the team's ability to sign new players or make trades. It's important for teams to balance their short-term and long-term financial goals when signing players to contracts.

Deferred Money By the Numbers

Ken Griffey Jr.'s deferred average salary since 2009 is $3,593,750.

• Griffey's nine-year, $116.5 million contract with the Reds included $57.5 million deferred from 2009-24.
• Griffey will make $3.6 million in 2023, making him the fourth-highest-paid player on the Cincinnati Reds roster.