Money Matters: MLS's most-valuable goal producers

With the release of 2017 MLS player salaries by the MLS Players Union, it's time to look at who have been the most productive players through the first eight weeks of the season.

The obvious choice for the most productive player is Orlando City'sCyle Larin, who has scored six goals, all on guaranteed compensation of only $192,000 a year.

But the most productive player -- guaranteed compensation divided by goals and assists -- is Montreal's Anthony Jackson-Hamel, who is making $66,150 -- just above the senior minimum salary of $65,000 -- and has already scored three goals.

The other player listed at making less than $100,000 a year but already contributing three or more goals is Seattle left back Joevin Jones, who has three assists for the Sounders. The T&T international earns only $96,166 in guaranteed compensation, making him one of the biggest bargains in the league.

MLS's most-valuable goal producers:
AVERAGE (RANK) PLAYER, TEAM, GUAR. COMP. (SCORING)
$22,050 (1) Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Montreal $66,150 (3 goals)
$32,000 (2) Cyle Larin, Orlando City $192,000 (6 goals)
$32,055 (3) Joevin Jones, Seattle $96,166 (3 assists)
$33,333 (4) Michael Barrios, FC Dallas $100,000 (1 goal, 2 assists)
$37,500 (5) Yamil Asad, Atlanta United $150,000 (2 goals, 2 assists)
$38,333 (6) Emmanuel Boateng, LA Galaxy $115,000 (1 goal, 2 assists)
$41,250 (7) Patrice Bernier,  Montreal $165,000 (4 assists)
$42,500 (8) Alex, Houston, $170,000 (4 assists)
$54,792 (9) Justin Meram, Columbus $328,750.00 (4 goals, 2 assists)
$55,167 (10) Jack Harrison, New York FC, $165,500 (2 goals, 1 assist)
$56,875 (11) Johan Venegas, Minn. Utd. $227,500 (2 goals, 2 assists)
$57,500 (12) Luke Mulholland, Real Salt Lake $172,500 (2 goals, 1 assist)
$60,000 (13) CJ Sapong, Philadelphia $300,000 (4 goals, 1 assist)
$65,417 (14) Christian Ramirez, Minn. Utd. $392,504.40 (5 goals, 1 assist)
$67,084 (15) Kevin Molino, Minn. Utd. $402,504 (3 goals, 3 assists)
Average=guaranteed compensation divided by goals and assists.
Note: Minimum total of 3 goals and assists.

by Paul Kennedy