Josh Hader's $19M Astros Contract for 2024 Topped Tigers' 26-Man WC Roster Payroll

Wednesday's American League wild-card matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros was a prime example that money doesn't always equal wins.

The Tigers' entire 26-man wild-card roster has a combined salary of $18.8 million, which is less than the sole salary of Astros reliever Josh Hader, who makes $19 million a year.

Kenta Maeda's $14 million takes up the bulk of the Tigers' payroll and just three other players make more than $1 million annually, per Spotrac.

Despite the payroll disparity, Detroit downed Houston 5-2 on Wednesday to advance to the American League Division Series. Hader pitched 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, an earned run and a walk.

The Tigers had a miraculous finish to the regular season, winning 15 of their last 21 games to ensure a spot in the postseason. The playoff berth marked their first since 2014 when they won the AL Central and reached the divisional series.

After winning its wild-card series against the Astros, Detroit will now take on the No. 2-seeded Cleveland Guardians in the divisional series.

While Cleveland has been one of the best teams in the American League this season, there's no denying the momentum the Tigers have, and they'll look to continue their magical run on Saturday.