The MLS Players Union released their annual salary and total compensation list for all teams today. Columbus Crew SC, with three designated players for the first time in team history, have taken an approach of spending money both on veterans and on young players. So far this year, the signings have worked out.
Notable Newcomers
With the departure of Ola Kamara, Crew SC were in desperate need of a striker. Gyasi Zardes has stepped in admirably, scoring six goals so far. He is well worth the $630,000 he is making. That’s an increase from last year’s salary of $577,500. For comparisons sake, Kamara has scored three goals this year and is making $925,000.
Jon Kempin, the new back up keeper for Columbus, is making $80,256. (2017 salary $65,004)
Mike Grella, who has been limited by injuries but nonetheless has impressed in the two games he has played in, is making $197,550, a modest increase from the $188,250 he made in 2017.
The big splash signing of the offseason for Crew SC was young DP leftback Milton Valenuzeula. It is clear that Gregg Berhalter has high hopes for the player, as he spent $313,300 to bring him in.
Ricardo Clark, who joined the team via free agency, is making $125,000.04, a substantial decrease from the $372,660 he made last year with the Houston Dynamo.
>> Check out Pro Soccer USA’s full searchable, sortable database of MLS player salaries.
Big Spenders
Unsurprisingly, the highest paid Crew SC player is veteran DP Federico Higuain, who is making $1,100,000.04. Next after that is Jonathan Mensah, no longer a DP due to TAM, at $868,996. Pedro Santos rounds out the top three for the squad at $794,600.
Biggest Raise
Team captain Wil Trapp is making $550,004 this season, a $200,000 increase over last season. Columbus clearly believes in his future as an MLS star.
Biggest Bargain
With national team caps under his belt, paying Zack Steffen $145,000 (up from $105,000 last season) is an outright steal. The young keeper often plays at an MLS all star level, and his stock is only rising. 19 keepers in MLS make more money than Zack Steffen. There are not 19 MLS keepers better than Zack Steffen.
Honorable mention- Lalas Abubakar has been doing yeomen’s work on the backline, and his energy and passion have made him a fan favorite. Still on a rookie contract, the centerback is making just $75,750.04