Sometimes it’s easy to lose track of the money professional athletes make because their contracts are usually viewed within the context of team payrolls and free agency and everything else that also includes ridiculous amounts of money.
But then one of them puts his house on the market and my brain finally realizes, “wow, this guy has an insane amount of money.”
Barry Zito is the latest example, as the San Jose Mercury News reports that the Giants left-hander is selling his home in California for $11.5 million. And why wouldn’t a 34-year-old with more than $100 million in lifetime earnings have an $11.5 million home?
Zito apparently bought the 7,100-square foot home five years ago for $8.9 million, but now wants to move closer to his office (which is also known as the Giants’ ballpark) for a shorter commute. He’s making $19 million this season and will get $20 million next season, plus $18 million or a $7 million buyout in 2014.