Saturday, October 31, 2026

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

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.