Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

The 25 Highest-Paid MLB Pitchers

  • Shohei Ohtani takes the top spot after landing the second-largest contract in MLB history.
  • Seven of the highest-paid pitchers play for either the Yankees or the Dodgers.
Mar 13, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani signs autographs against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

In the second-largest deal in MLB history, Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023. This deal not only made Ohtani the highest-paid pitcher in the league but also the highest-paid player overall until Juan Soto took that crown.

Following Ohtani is Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, who earns $42 million. Third is Jacob deGrom. In 2022, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers, including a 2028 club option that can increase the maximum value of the deal to $222 million.

Coming in fourth is the newest addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen, Blake Snell.

He signed a deal with Los Angeles last Thanksgiving for $36.4 million annually. The five-year, $182 million contract includes $65 million deferred or $13 million annually in deferred money.

Wrapping up the top five is Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, earning $36 million.

Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with New York in 2019. After their World Series loss to the Dodgers, he decided to keep his pinstripes instead of opting out.

Top 25 Highest-Paid Pitchers

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

  • Updated: April 10th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Shohei OhtaniLos Angeles Dodgers$70 million
2Zack WheelerPhiladelphia Phillies$42 million
3Jacob deGromTexas Rangers$37 million
4Blake SnellLos Angeles Dodgers$36.4 million
5Gerrit ColeNew York Yankees$36 million
6Corbin BurnesArizona Diamondbacks$35 million
7Tyler GlasnowLos Angeles Dodgers$27.31 million
8Max FriedNew York Yankees$27.3 million
9Yoshinobu YamamotoLos Angeles Dodgers$27.08 million
10Carlos RodonNew York Yankees$27 million
T-11Jordan MontgomeryArizona Diamondbacks$25 million
T-11Sonny GraySt. Louis Cardinals$25 million
T-11Nathan EovaldiTexas Rangers$25 million
T-11Sean ManaeaNew York Mets$25 million
15Aaron NolaPhiladelphia Phillies$24.57 million
16Robbie RaySan Francisco Giants$23 million
17Luis SeverinoOakland Athletics$22.3 million
18Kevin GausmanToronto Blue Jays$22 million
19Luis CastilloSeattle Mariners$21.6 million
20Yusei KikuchiLos Angeles Angels$21.2 million
T-21Nick MartinezCincinnati Reds$21.05 million
T-21Walker BuehlerBoston Red Sox$21.05 million
23Chris BassittToronto Blue Jays$21 million
24Edwin DiazNew York Mets$20.4 million
T-25Eduardo RodriguezArizona Diamondbacks$20 million
T-25Joe MusgroveSan Diego Padres$20 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

A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
Oct 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Bryan Baker (47) takes the mound in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field.

Hottest Ticket in MLB: Maybe Tampa Bay?

Tampa drew its largest home crowd in 16 years on Saturday.

Brewers Open Roof for Game 2 After Wild Game 1 Ending

The Brewers’ roof hotline confirmed the Game 2 move.
Jul 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Chicago White Sox hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
First at FOS

White Sox Announcer John Schriffen’s Status With Team Uncertain

Schriffen has been the TV voice of the White Sox since 2024.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Draymond Green on “New Media”

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.

LeBron’s Fanatics Deal Includes Helicopter Use

The helicopter has repeatedly gone between NYC and Philly.
Tom Brady Raiders
September 30, 2026

Tom Brady Biographer Still Not Ruling Out NFL Comeback

Brady’s last NFL season was in 2022.
October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons

The Capitals superstar said this season will be his last.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 27, 2026

U.S. Avoids Disaster With Biggest Presidents Cup Comeback Ever

Donald Trump was on hand a day after attending Texas-Tennessee.
September 27, 2026

Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

Star wide receivers decided to keep their money.
First at FOS
September 24, 2026

Albert Pujols Says He Pursued MLB Ownership

The three-time MVP said his group was outbid for multiple franchises.