Contract: 10 years / $700 million
Highest Salary: $46,000,000
Estimated Endorsements: $65 million
Total: $111 million
Accomplishments: 1 MVP Award, 1 Rookie of the Year Award, 2x All-Star, 1 Silver Slugger Award
Shohei Ohtani, baseball's unicorn, has galloped his way to the top of the salary charts. The Japanese phenom inked a staggering $700 million deal with the Dodgers, proving that two-way players are worth their weight in gold. With a fastball that sizzles and a bat that thunders, Ohtani's trophy case is already bursting at the seams.
MVP? Check. Rookie of the Year? You bet. All-Star appearances? Naturally. Ohtani's not just playing baseball; he's redefining it, one $46 million paycheck at a time.
Contract: 5 years / $135.5 million (with Seattle Mariners-RHP)
Highest Salary: $26.9 million
Estimated Endorsements: $400,000
Total: $27.3 million
Accomplishments: 1 Cy Young award, 6x All-Star, 2 ERA titles
Felix Hernandez, once the king of Seattle's mound, reigned supreme with a $135.5 million contract fit for baseball royalty. "King Felix" earned his crown with a Cy Young, six All-Star nods, and two ERA titles. At his peak, he commanded $26.9 million a year, proving that in baseball, every pitch can be worth its weight in gold.
Though now a free agent, Hernandez's legacy as a Mariner stands tall as the Space Needle.
Contract: 10 years / $240 million
Highest Salary: $27 million (with Los Angeles Angels-1B)
Estimated Endorsements: $1 million
Total: $28 million
Accomplishments: 3 MVP awards, Rookie of the Year, 10x All-Star, 2 World Series Championships, 2 Gold Glove awards, 6 Silver Slugger awards, 1 Batting Title, NLCS MVP
Albert "The Machine" Pujols turned hitting into a $240 million art form. This three-time MVP and two-time World Series champ commanded $27 million at his peak, proving that consistency pays.
With a trophy case that needs its own zip code (10 All-Stars, 2 Gold Gloves, 6 Silver Sluggers), Pujols redefined greatness. Now a special assistant, he's no longer swinging for the fences, but his legacy - and bank account - are still hitting home runs.
Contract: 13 years / $325 million
Highest Salary: $32 million
Estimated Endorsements: $3.2 million
Total: $35.2 million
Accomplishments: 1 MVP award, 4x All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger awards
Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees' muscle-bound marvel, flexed his way into a $325 million contract that's as massive as his home runs. At $32 million a year, he's paid to make pitchers quake and outfield walls tremble.
This MVP and four-time All-Star swings a bat that doubles as an ATM card. With two Silver Sluggers to his name, Stanton proves that in the Bronx, raw power isn't just appreciated - it's handsomely compensated.
Contract: 6 years / $162 million (Possible Vesting)
Highest Salary: $28 million
Estimated Endorsements: $1 million
Total: $29 million
Accomplishments: 1 MVP award, 1 Cy Young award, Rookie of the Year, 1 Triple Crown, 7x All-Star, 1 World Series Championship, 1 ERA title, ALCS MVP
Justin Verlander, the ageless wonder of the mound, hurled his way into a $162 million deal that defies time and gravity. This Cy Young and MVP winner proves that fine wine and fastballs both get better with age.
At $28 million a year, Verlander's not just throwing heat; he's burning through paychecks. With a resume that reads like a baseball fairy tale (Rookie of the Year, Triple Crown, World Series ring), he's not just pitching; he's cashing in on a legendary career.
Contract: 4 years / $110 million (with New York Mets-LF)
Highest Salary: $29 million
Estimated Endorsements: $500,000
Total: $29.5 million
Accomplishments: 2x All-Star, 1 Gold Glove award, 1 Silver Slugger award
Yoenis Cespedes, a powerhouse in left field, commanded attention with a hefty contract during his tenure with the New York Mets. His four-year, $110 million deal highlighted his prowess, including a peak salary of $29 million annually.
Despite modest endorsements around $500,000, Cespedes's total earnings peaked at an impressive $29.5 million. His accolades, including two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger award, underscore his impact on the field.
Contract: 8 years / $248 million
Highest Salary: $30 million
Estimated Endorsements: $500,000
Total: $30.5 million
Accomplishments: 2 MVP awards, 1 Triple Crown, 11x All-Star, 1 World Series Championship, 7 Silver Slugger awards, 4 Batting Titles
Miguel Cabrera, the stalwart first baseman for the Detroit Tigers, signed a monumental 8-year, $248 million contract, making him one of baseball's highest earners.
With a peak salary of $30 million annually and additional endorsements totaling around $500,000, Cabrera's yearly earnings soared to $30.5 million. His illustrious career boasts two MVP awards, a rare Triple Crown achievement, and an impressive 11 All-Star appearances, complemented by multiple Silver Slugger awards and batting titles, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Contract: 7 years / $217 million (with Boston Red Sox)
Highest Salary: $30 million
Estimated Endorsements: $650,000
Total: $30.65 million
Accomplishments: 1 Cy Young, 5x All-Star, 2 ERA titles
David Price, renowned for his precision as a left-handed pitcher, inked a notable 7-year, $217 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. His contract included a peak salary of $30 million per year, supplemented by endorsements totaling approximately $650,000, bringing his annual earnings to an impressive $30.65 million.
Price's career highlights include a prestigious Cy Young award, five All-Star selections, and two ERA titles, solidifying his status as a dominant force on the mound.
Contract: 7 years / $215 million
Highest Salary: $33 million
Estimated Endorsements: $800,000
Total: $33.8 million
Accomplishments: 1 MVP award, 3 Cy Young awards, 1 Triple Crown, 7x All-Star, 1 Gold Glove award, 5 ERA Titles
Clayton Kershaw, the ace left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, secured a lucrative 7-year, $215 million contract, featuring a peak salary of $33 million annually.
His endorsements added approximately $800,000, culminating in total earnings of $33.8 million per year. Kershaw's illustrious career boasts one MVP award, three Cy Young awards, and a rare Triple Crown achievement. With seven All-Star selections, a Gold Glove award, and five ERA titles, he remains a dominant force on the mound and a cornerstone for the Dodgers.
Contract: 12 years / $426.5 million
Highest Salary: $35.45 million
Estimated Endorsements: $2.5 million
Total: $37.95 million
Accomplishments: 2 MVP awards, Rookie of the Year, 7x All-Star, 5 Silver Slugger awards, 2 All-Star Game MVP awards
Mike Trout, the dynamic center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, secured a monumental 12-year, $426.5 million contract, making him one of baseball's highest-paid players. With a peak salary of $35.45 million annually and robust endorsements totaling $2.5 million, Trout's yearly earnings reached an impressive $37.95 million.
His stellar career includes two MVP awards, Rookie of the Year honors, seven All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger awards, and two All-Star Game MVP titles, solidifying his status as a standout performer in the game.
Contract: 10 years / $225 million (with Cincinnati Reds)
Highest Salary: $25 million
Estimated Endorsements: $250,000
Total: $25.25 million
Accomplishments: 1 MVP award, 6x All-Star, 1 Gold Glove award
Joey Votto, the Canadian slugger with a penchant for walks and witty banter, parlayed his talents into a cool $225 million over a decade. This former Red, now Blue Jay, boasts an MVP award that matches his Gold Glove in shine. At $25 million a year, Votto's not just getting on base; he's rounding the bank. With six All-Star appearances, he's proven that patience at the plate pays off - both in walks and in paychecks.
Contract: 3 years / $130 million (with New York Mets)
Highest Salary: $43,300, 000
Estimated Endorsements: $2 million
Total: $45,300,000
Accomplishments: 3x Cy Young Award winner, World Series Champion, 7x All-Star, No-Hitter, 20-Strikeout Game, MLB Wins Leader, MLB Strikeout Leader, National League ERA Leader
Max Scherzer, the pitching maestro with eyes of different colors, commands a salary as diverse as his arsenal. This three-time Cy Young winner's $130 million Mets deal proves elite arms come at a premium. With a no-hitter, a 20-strikeout game, and more accolades than you can shake a Louisville Slugger at, Scherzer's resume reads like a baseball fairy tale.
At $43.3 million a year, he's not just throwing heat; he's burning through payrolls.
Contract: 5 years / $185 million
Highest Salary: $40,000,000
Estimated Endorsements: $1,000,000
Total: $41,000,000
Accomplishments: 2x Cy Young Award winner, NL ERA Leader, 3x All-Star
Jacob deGrom, the Texas Rangers' prized arm, commands a royal ransom of $185 million over five years. This two-time Cy Young winner's $40 million salary could buy a lot of ten-gallon hats. With a fastball that could outrun a tumbleweed and an ERA lower than a snake's belly, deGrom has earned his keep.
Though injuries have tried to lasso him, this three-time All-Star keeps proving he's worth every penny of that Lone Star paycheck.
Contract: 9 years / $360 million
Highest Salary: $40,000,000
Estimated Endorsements: $4,500,000
Total: $44,500,000
Accomplishments: 2022 American League Most Valuable Player, 2022 Home Run Derby Champion, Multiple All-Star, Yankees single-season home run record holder
Aaron Judge, the Yankee colossus, swings a bat as mighty as his paycheck. With a $360 million deal, he's hitting financial home runs to match his on-field blasts.
The 2022 AL MVP and Home Run Derby champ proves that in baseball, size does matter. Judge's record-breaking 62 homers in 2022 didn't just shatter Yankees history; it shattered the salary ceiling. At $40 million a year, he's not just the face of the franchise; he's the ATM of it too.
Contract: 7 years / $245 million
Highest Salary: $38 million
Estimated Endorsements; $1,000,000
Total: $39 million
Accomplishments: World Series Champion, Multiple All-Star, Silver Slugger Award winner
Anthony Rendon, the Angels' $245 million man, proves that sometimes the quiet ones cash the biggest checks. This World Series champ swapped Nationals red for Angels red, and his bank account saw nothing but green.
With a Silver Slugger in his trophy case and multiple All-Star nods, Rendon's silky-smooth swing and slick fielding command a princely $38 million salary. In Anaheim, he's not just playing third base; he's occupying the high-rent district.
