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Who Are the Highest-Paid Baseball Players?

  • Shohei Ohtani takes the top spot, earning $70 million in AAV.
  • Ten starting pitchers crack the top-25, the most of any position.
Shohei Ohtani is the highest paid MLB player right now. Dec 14, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) poses with owner Mark Walter at press conference at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball’s average salary is as high as ever.

MLB saw player salaries rise 14.8% in aggregate in 2022 to $4.2 million, reversing a four-year trend of declining player salaries. 

For MLB’s highest-paid players, it’s never been a better time for contract negotiations. Higher attendance, stronger ratings, and steadily increasing salaries work in their favor. 

Sluggers such as Juan Soto – currently earning $31 million – may see their contract value skyrocket in the offseason. He could elevate his position among the highest-paid baseball players from 16th to the top five if that happens.

Shohei Ohtani takes the top spot as the highest-paid baseball player right now, earning $70 million in AAV with the Dodgers.

Ohtani signed his record-setting deal last December, giving him the largest contract in all of U.S. team sports. The two-time AL MVP and rare two-way player is the only baseball player earning over $50 million per season.

While Ohtani hasn’t pitched this season due to an injured elbow ligament, Los Angeles is banking on him to return to the mound next year.

Two starting pitchers share second on the list, each earning $43.3 million per season.

Astros ace Justin Verlander signed a two-year deal in 2023 worth $86.67 million at age 40. He will be on the cusp of pitching in big leagues for 20 years at the end of his deal.

Max Scherzer of the Rangers signed a three-year deal in 2022 which includes a full no-trade clause. The three-time Cy Young winner will earn $130 million by the end of the deal. He can earn an additional $750K for hitting performance-based bonuses. 

The Dodgers lead all teams with five players among the highest-paid MLB players. 

Freddie Freeman, the sole first baseman on the list, earns $27 million and is tied for 22nd. 

Front-line starters are invaluable. Ten starting pitchers are among the highest-paid baseball players, the most of any other position.

Meanwhile, five shortstops are featured as the second most represented position. Francisco Lindor of the Mets is the highest-paid shortstop, earning $34.1 million to place him 10th.

Ranking The Highest-Paid MLB Players

Here is the list of the top 25 highest-paid baseball players. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: October 30th, 2024
RankPlayerPositionTeamTotal Contract AAV
1Shohei OhtaniSP/DHLos Angeles Dodgers$70 million
T-2Justin VerlanderSPHouston Astros$43.3 million
T-2Max ScherzerSPTexas Rangers$43.3 million
4Aaron JudgeCFNew York Yankees$40 million
5Jacob DeGromSPTexas Rangers$37 million
6Gerrit ColeSPNew York Yankees$36 million
7Mike TroutCFLos Angeles Angels$35.5 million
T-8Anthony Rendon3BLos Angeles Angels$35 million
T-8Stephen StrasbourgSPWashington Nationals$35 million
10Francisco LindorSSNew York Mets$34.1 million
11Carlos CorreaSSMinnesota Twins$33.3 million
T-12Corey SeagerSSTexas Rangers$32.5 million
T-12Nolan Arenado3BSt Louis Cardinals$32.5 million
14Manny MachadoDH/3BSan Diego Padres$31.8 million
15Rafael Devers3BBoston Red Sox$31.4 million
T-16Blake SnellSP/SP3San Francisco Giants$31 million
T-16Juan SotoRFNew York Yankees$31 million
18Mookie BettsRFLos Angeles Dodgers$30.4 million
19Tyler GlasnowSPLos Angeles Dodgers$27.3 million
20Trea TurnerSSPhiladelphia Phillies$27.27 million
21Yoshinobu YamamotoSPLos Angeles Dodgers$27.1 million
T-22Carlos RodonSPNew York Yankees$27 million
T-22Freddie Freeman1BLos Angeles Dodgers$27 million
24Christian YelichLFMilwaukee Brewers$26.9 million
25Cody BellingerRF/CFChicago Cubs$26.7 million

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