• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Ohtani in a Class of His Own Among MLB Off-Field Earners

  • Shohei Ohtani tops all MLB players in total earnings this year with $65 million.
  • His $35 million off the field is by far the biggest total among MLB players.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

MLB players make relatively little in sponsorship money from American companies compared to other top athletes, but the sport’s biggest international star is still cashing in.

Shohei Ohtani is the top-earning MLB player this year, per Forbes, after adding his $30 million salary with the Los Angeles Angels to the $35 million he makes in endorsements. 

That latter figure, by far the highest among MLB players, draws from both American companies like New Balance, Fanatics, and Topps, as well as Japanese ones such as Kowa, Seiko, and Kose.

Ohtani is also due for a significant raise as a free agent after this season. As both one of MLB’s best hitters and pitchers, he could be the first player to land a deal worth more than $500 million.

New York Yankees players Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton

MLB Team Values: There’s the Yankees and Then Everybody Else

The New York Yankees soared to a $7.1 billion value, per Forbes.
March 23, 2023

Following Ohtani is New York Mets ace pitcher Max Scherzer, who is being paid handsomely by two NL East teams. His contract with the Mets pays him $43.3 million this year, while the Washington Nationals are tacking on an additional $15 million in deferred payments from a $210 million deal signed in 2015. 

Third overall is New York Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge, who makes $4.5 million off the field plus $40 million annually from the Bronx Bombers. 

Angels star Mike Trout, the only other player to top $1 million in off-field earnings with $4 million, was fifth overall after adding in his $35.5 million salary. The Mets’ Justin Verlander was one spot ahead with his $43.3 million contract and $1 million in additional earnings.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.
exclusive

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement
exclusive
July 2, 2025

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
July 6, 2025

Unrivaled Co-Founders Deny Conflict of Interest With WNBPA Leadership

The WNBA and its union are negotiating a new CBA.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.