Every MLB franchise is looking for value, whether it's a deep-pocketed big-market team or a penny-pinching small-market squad.

The goal here is to find the contract that carries the best value on each MLB roster, sticking to a few key parameters.

First, no player earning more than $10 million was eligible. There are players earning that much who are still valued relative to what they would command on the open market, but generally speaking, there are better picks than guys making eight figures.

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Second, pre-arbitration players were also not included since the sport's financial structure means they are all making close to the league minimum. The list would simply devolve into a list of the best pre-arbitration player on every roster.

Beyond that, everyone else was eligible for inclusion.

 

American League East

Baltimore Orioles: CF Cedric Mullins

Contract: $4.1 million (Arbitration Year 1)

The trio of Mullins, Austin Hays ($3.2 million) and Anthony Santander ($7.4 million) are all still in their arbitration years, but they have been one of the most productive outfield units in baseball this season. Mullins is currently sidelined with a groin strain, but he was again flashing a stellar mix of power and speed prior to the injury with 23 extra-base hits and 13 steals in 53 games.

 

Boston Red Sox: RF Alex Verdugo

Contract: $6.3 million (Arbitration Year 2)

Verdugo is having the best offensive season of his career and could be on his way to an All-Star Game selection, making him an easy choice on a Red Sox roster made up mostly of high-priced veterans and pre-arbitration up-and-comers. The 27-year-old has a 120 OPS+ with 26 extra-base hits and 2.3 WAR on the year.

 

New York Yankees: RP Michael King

Contract: $1.3 million (Arbitration Year 1)

King has been a solid relief arm when healthy the past two seasons, posting a 2.99 ERA and 10.1 K/9 with 18 holds in 56 appearances, and he is filling a high-leverage role in the Yankees bullpen this year. The 28-year-old has a 1.65 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 with three saves and two holds in 19 games.