Toronto pitcher Roy Halladay gets biggest All-Star bonus at $125,000

Halladay gets biggest All-Star bonus at $125,000

NEW YORK — It pays to be an All-Star.

The initial 66 picks for Tuesday’s game in St. Louis will receive $2.3 million in bonuses, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay leading the way at $125,000.

That money might come in handy for moving expenses. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said this week he’s willing to listen to offers for the 2003 AL Cy Young Award winner. Halladay, a six-time All-Star, has a $14.25 million salary this season, is due $15.75 million next year and has the right to block trades without his approval.

Four players earned $100,000 each, and three of them were on the collapsing, injury-decimated New York Mets: center fielder Carlos Beltran, closer Francisco Rodriguez and pitcher Johan Santana. Beltran has been on the disabled list since June 22 because of a bone bruise his right knee and will miss the game.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter also gets a $100,000 bonus, while pitchers Ted Lilly of the Chicago Cubs and Jason Marquis of Colorado receive $75,000 apiece.

Twenty-two players earned $50,000, 20 got $25,000, Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle receives $15,000, and Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton and Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist earned $10,000 each.

Fourteen players didn’t earn bonuses, including Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, closer Mariano Rivera and first baseman Mark Teixeira.

The bonus total was up from $1.92 million for last year’s initial picks.

In addition, five players received automatic increases in contract options because they became All-Stars.

The 2010 prices went up $100,000 each for Pittsburgh second baseman Freddy Sanchez (to $8.1 million) and Cleveland catcher Victor Martinez (to $7.2 million). For 2011, options increased for Colorado outfielder Brad Hawpe (up $150,000 to $10.15 million) and San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (up $100,000 to $5.8 million).

The 2012 option for Atlanta catcher Brian McCann increased by $1 million to $12 million as part of a points system for various accomplishments.