The MLS Players Union released the data on MLS player salaries on Friday and we found out that New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry is now the highest paid player in MLS. Henry surpassed David Beckham of the LA Galaxy, who apparently took a $2.5 million pay cut to stay with the Galaxy. Henry, who is making $5.6 million, technically took a pay cut as well (of four cents). Rafa Marquez at $4.6 million also passed Beckham, who will make $4 million in 2012.
Here's what the Red Bulls team is making in 2012 in base and guaranteed salary:
Player Name | Base Salary ($) | Guaranteed Compensation ($) |
Jose Angulo | 33,750.00 | 33,750.00 |
Johnny Arteaga | 44,000.00 | 44,000.00 |
Mehdi Ballouchy | 138,188.00 | 138,188.00 |
Brandon Barklage | 44,000.00 | 45,566.67 |
Jonathan Borrajo | 44,000.00 | 44,000.00 |
Wilman Conde | 125,000.00 | 141,666.67 |
Kenny Cooper | 275,000.00 | 292,500.00 |
Thierry Henry | 5,000,000.00 | 5,600,000.00 |
Corey Hertzog | 75,000.00 | 103,500.00 |
Markus Holgersson | 190,000.00 | 190,000.00 |
Stephen Keel | 65,000.00 | 65,000.00 |
Connor Lade | 33,750.00 | 33,750.00 |
Joel Lindpere | 175,000.00 | 195,000.00 |
Ryan Maduro | 44,000.04 | 44,000.04 |
Rafael Marquez | 4,600,000.00 | 4,600,000.00 |
Dax McCarty | 174,375.00 | 194,375.00 |
Ryan Meara | 33,750.00 | 33,750.00 |
Roy Miller | 112,495.50 | 112,495.50 |
Victor Palsson | 80,000.00 | 95,000.00 |
Heath Pearce | 292,499.00 | 301,999.00 |
Dane Richards | 170,000.00 | 181,500.00 |
Tyler Ruthven | 33,750.00 | 33,750.00 |
Jan Gunnar Solli | 185,000.00 | 185,000.00 |
Teemu Tainio | 200,000.00 | 205,000.00 |
Jeremy Vuolo | 44,000.00 | 44,000.00 |
For the way Ryan Meara has played in net this season, he's an insane bargain for the Red Bulls and costs less than his backup Jeremy Vuolo. The same could be said for forward Kenny Cooper who is tied for the MLS goal lead with 11 tallies. If you are wondering how much former Red Bull Juan Agudelo is set to make this season, it's only $100,000.
For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.