Here Are The Contract Details For Domestic Abuser Addison Russell

Every time Addison Russell's name pops up from now on it'll be a bad day for the Cubs. We know, it's sports, it's a business, we know teams don't necessarily care about what should be morally right or wrong and that's why Russell remains with the Cubs despite his suspension for domestic violence by MLB. Those allegations have been written about in excruciating detail, but ever since the Cubs decided not to non-tender Russell back in November fans knew he'd be receiving a contract for 2019. That doesn't make it any less disappointing as the Cubs and Russell avoided arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a $3.4 million salary for 2019. The contract also includes roster bonuses that could make the deal worth $4 million. Basically if Russell remains on the 25-man roster after he returns from his domestic violence suspension he'll get $4 million.

According to MLB Trade Rumors projections, which are pretty accurate, Russell was expected to get $4.3 million. Bruce Levine says it would have been about $4.8 million and that fans shouldn't think the Cubs are trying to give Russell more money back from money he'll lose because of his domestic violence suspension.

Bases on Russell's domestic violence suspension and just flat out bad performance on the field, the Cubs could have easily taken this to an arbitration hearing and ended up paying Russell less. Obviously from the outside looking in and not knowing any of the details in regards to this negotiation we as fans can speculate that the compromise from both sides came because of the Cubs' continual stance of support for Russell. In terms of the money, it is less than projected, but maybe Scott Boras gave the Cubs a bit of a discount as they haven't rid themselves of Russell. Anyway, I still don't think Russell plays another game for the Cubs and his salary for 2019 does make it more appealing for teams who may want to trade fro him. Also, because the salary is lower than expected, it would also cost the Cubs less if they decide to cut him during spring training.

The Cubs also avoided arbitration with the other six players eligible.

As of now with the salaries set for the arbitration eligible players, the Cubs payroll for 2019 is about $207 million and $223 million in luxury tax payroll.