Sunday, October 18, 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

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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

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