JJ Hardy's Career Earnings: A Look into the Financial Success of the MLB Star
JJ Hardy, the former Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop, had a successful 13-year career that spanned from 2005 to 2017. Throughout his time in the league, Hardy earned a significant amount of money, making him one of the highest-paid shortstops in the game.
Early Years and Contracts
Hardy made his MLB debut in 2005 with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he played for six seasons. During his time with the Brewers, Hardy earned a modest salary, with his highest annual salary being $4.5 million in 2009.
In 2011, Hardy signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Brewers, which significantly increased his annual salary.
Move to Baltimore and Higher Earnings
In 2012, Hardy was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he spent the next five seasons. During his time with the Orioles, Hardy's salary continued to rise. In 2014, he signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension, which increased his annual salary to $13.3 million.
Highest-Earning Seasons
Hardy's highest-earning seasons were from 2015 to 2017, when he was playing for the Orioles. During this period, his annual salary was around $14 million to $15 million.
Career Earnings
According to Spotrac, a website that tracks sports contracts and salaries, JJ Hardy's career earnings are estimated to be around $96 million. This amount includes his salaries from his time with the Brewers and Orioles, as well as any bonuses or incentives he may have received.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from baseball in 2017, Hardy has remained involved in the game, working as a special instructor for the Brewers during spring training. While his post-playing career earnings are not publicly disclosed, it's likely that he continues to earn a significant amount of money through various endorsement deals and business ventures.
Conclusion
JJ Hardy's career earnings are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of baseball. From his early years with the Brewers to his time with the Orioles, Hardy consistently increased his salary, becoming one of the highest-paid shortstops in the league. Even after his retirement, Hardy continues to earn a significant amount of money, cementing his financial success in the world of professional baseball.