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15 Highest-Paid Baseball Players

Did you know that baseball players are some of the highest-paid professional athletes even when compared to other leagues like the NFL and NBA? Major league players are paid very well for their efforts on the field, but their paychecks aren't handed to them on a silver platter. It often takes players years to reach the highest level. The minor league systems for teams are littered with excellent college baseball players who don’t quite have what it takes to make it to the MLB. It's not uncommon for people to reach the big leagues in their late twenties or even early thirties, if at all.

Considering baseball organizations have so many people competing to be at the top, the players that have remained at the highest level continue to get the big moolah. Players have always been paid really well, but contracts have skyrocketed in the last ten years or so. Not only do many baseball players earn extremely high annual salaries, but they also make a lot of their money from endorsements. Companies also pay these athletes to be in their commercials or to advertise their products on social media. Have you ever wanted to buy a product or use a service because your favorite celeb or baseball player used it? You're not alone!

Many people question whether these players are actually worth the amount on their contracts. Considering the average career of a professional baseball player is only about five and a half years, finding a consistent player that can help your organization win games and attract fans is unbelievably essential. Teams will do whatever it takes to keep the top player in their franchise happy, even if that means dealing them high-dollar contracts!

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers-RHP, DH)

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers-RHP, DH)

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.

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Felix Hernandez (Free Agent-RHP)

Felix Hernandez (Free Agent-RHP)

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.

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Albert Pujols (Special Assistant to the LA Angels)

Albert Pujols (Special Assistant to the LA Angels)

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.

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Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees-RF)

Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees-RF)

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.

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Justin Verlander (Houston Astros-RHP)

Justin Verlander (Houston Astros-RHP)

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.

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Yoenis Cespedes (Free Agent-LF)

Yoenis Cespedes (Free Agent-LF)

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.

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Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers-1B)

Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers-1B)

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.

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David Price (Free Agent-LHP)

David Price (Free Agent-LHP)

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.

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Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers-LHP)

Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers-LHP)

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.

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Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels-CF)

Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels-CF)

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.

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Joey Votto (Toronto Blue Jays-1B)

Joey Votto (Toronto Blue Jays-1B)

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.

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Max Scherzer (Free Agent-RHP)

Max Scherzer (Free Agent-RHP)

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.

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Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers-RHP)

Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers-RHP)

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.

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Aaron Judge (New York Yankees - MLB)

Aaron Judge (New York Yankees - MLB)

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.

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Anthony Rendon (Los Angeles Angels - MLB)

Anthony Rendon (Los Angeles Angels - MLB)

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.

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