He isn't just good defensively. He is the best SS this team has ever had. I can't believe how much people downplay defense, and I get it in other positions, but not in probably the most important defensive position on the field. This take is just wrong, imo. I think he's worth every cent. And last year he struggled with plantar fasciitis most of the year. While I'd like to see his bat be better, evaluating him in terms of offense only is just wrong.
The problem isn't what these two are being paid. It's what the owner has cut payroll to. That's the problem.