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Notes -
Baseball teams have started doing this as well. Sure guys go from career earnings of say 400m to 150m but after the first 50m does it really matter?
With how tax brackets work, I wouldn't be surprised if the "low" earners in these sports might actually have more expected value from a longer insured contract than a shorter uninsured one. $1m/year for four years is easily better than $4m for 1 year if you think that is the only contract you'll ever get.
I almost wonder if teams and players would be better off negotiating pension style deals rather than big single year payouts. I guess the rules on how many "players" you are allowed to pay probably prevent something like that. But I don't know why teams can't offer something like "team ambassador" or nonsense coaching positions for retired players.
A lot relates to the CBA’s signed. With that said, famously Bobby Bonilla I think is still paid by the Mets. Likewise, Ken Griffey Junior is I believe the third or fourth highest paid player on the Reds and he hasn’t played in about what seven years?
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