Friday, October 30, 2026

The 25 Highest-Paid MLB Outfielders

  • Juan Soto tops the list as the only outfielder earning over $50 million.
  • Eight of the highest-paid outfielders play for a New York or Los Angeles-based team.
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

In 2025, outfielders are among the highest earners in the sport.

With notable names like Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts in the top five, retaining this level of talent requires significant financial investment.

The Mets’ newly signed slugger Juan Soto takes the top spot, earning $51 million.

The landmark contract, signed on December 8th, is worth $765 million. Already the most lucrative contract in MLB history, it features escalators and no deferrals that could raise the total value to $820 million.

Aaron Judge, one of the most formidable hitters in baseball, is second, earning $40 million annually. Last year, Judge signed a massive nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the Yankees.

Following Judge is Mike Trout, often regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of his generation. The three-time AL MVP signed a twelve-year, $426.5 million contract with the Angels in 2019.

Trailing Trout in the fourth spot is Mookie Betts, a marquee right fielder who can also play shortstop for the Dodgers. In 2020, Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract extension with Los Angeles.

Fifth is the Brewers’ Christian Yelich, making $26.93 million annually. Yelich signed a seven-year, $188.5 million contract in 2020.

After combining their salaries, Juan Soto will outearn two of his new Mets teammates who made the list by over $11 million.

Top 25 Highest-Paid Outfielders  

Here is the full list of the top 25 highest-paid MLB outfielders by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: April 10th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Juan SotoNew York Mets$51 million
2Aaron JudgeNew York Yankees$40 million
3Mike TroutLos Angeles Angels$35.54 million
4Cody BellingerNew York Yankees$26.67 million
T-5George SpringerToronto Blue Jays$25 million
T-5Jose AltuveHouston Astros$25 million
7Fernando Tatis Jr.San Diego Padres$24.29 million
8Teoscar HernandezLos Angeles Dodgers$22 million
9Ian HappChicago Cubs$20.33 million
10Brandon NimmoNew York Mets$20.25 million
11Nick CastellanosPhiladelphia Phillies$20 million
12Starling MarteNew York Mets$19.5 million
13Yordan AlvarezHouston Astros$19.2 million
14Jung-hoo LeeSan Francisco Giants$18.83 million
15Anthony SantanderToronto Blue Jays$18.5 million
16Julio RodriguezSeattle Mariners$17.44 million
17Michael ConfortoLos Angeles Dodgers$17 million
T-18Kyle Tucker Chicago Cubs$16.5 million
T-18Tyler O’NeillBaltimore Orioles$16.5 million
20Byron BuxtonMinnesota Twins$14.3 million
T-21Jurickson ProfarAtlanta Braves$14 million
T-21Lourdes Gurriel Jr.Arizona Diamondbacks$14 million
23Corbin CarrollArizona Diamondbacks$13.9 million
24Bryan ReynoldsPittsburgh Pirates$13.3 million
25Ronald Acuna Jr. Atlanta Braves$12.5 million

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Player Market Races Against Expected Lockout on Dec. 1

Contract option decisions begin what will be a compressed player market.

World Series Viewership Shows Impact of Broadcast Schedule Pivot

A pivot to a Friday start date paid higher dividends this year.
Oct 28, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in game five of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field.

Despite MLB Uncertainty, Most of Brewers Roster Will Remain Intact

Most of Milwaukee’s roster is in place for the 2027 season.
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) watches his RBI double during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Why Fox Downplayed World Series Game 3 Ratings

A Brewers rout and the sports equinox drove viewership far lower.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.