Top 3 Underpaid Players

3. Andrew Jacobson: The MLS Veteran

Guaranteed Compensation: $175,000 (150,000 Base Salary)

The 31-year-old midfielder was signed last season as an experienced MLS player to replace Gershon Koffie. Jacobson ended up seeing a lot of playing time in central defence. This year, however, he has cemented a spot for himself in Carl Robinson’s new 4-1-4-1 formation. Given more freedom to get forward, he has a goal and an assist so far from five appearances.

Considering Jacobson is keeping Russell Teibert, who makes $20,000 more, out of the team, it’s fair to say he’s underpaid. Certainly compared to rest of the Whitecaps starting midfield: newcomer Tony Tchani is on $308,333, and Matías Laba is on $885,500.

2. Christian Bolaños: The Midfield Linchpin

Guaranteed Compensation: $253,500 (250,000 Base Salary)

The Costa Rican international is a vital piece linking the Whitecaps midfield and attack. He hasn’t made it onto the scoresheet yet this year, but it’s no coincidence that Vancouver’s improvement coincided with Bolaños’ return from injury.

Last year, Bolaños was one of the few bright spots in an underperforming team. This year, he’s played on both wings as well as in the #10 spot behind the striker, and has started to build a good understanding with Fredy Montero.

Given his importance to the team, it seems ridiculous that there are eight ‘Caps making more than ‘Bola’.

1. Tim Parker: The Overperforming Rookie

Guaranteed Compensation: $99,600 ($80,850 Base Salary)

Tim Parker is one of the best young defenders in the league. After his outstanding debut season, he suffered a bit of a slump in form last year along with the rest of the team. But this year he has bounced right back. Comfortable both in the air and on the ground, and able to hold his own against the league’s most physical strikers, a USMNT call-up cannot be far away for Parker.

His salary, however, has not kept up with his improvement. He’s still closer to back-up goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi ($80,000) than he is to fellow starting centreback Kendall Waston ($368,125).

Honourable Mention: Alphonso Davies

Guaranteed Compensation: $65,000 ($65,000 Base Salary)

Alphonso Davies deserves a mention, simply to highlight that one of the most talented players in the Whitecaps squad has the second-lowest salary (only Cole Seiler on $54,075 makes less). But at the same time, how many 16-year-olds out there are making $65,000 a year?