The Cream of the Crop: Top 10 Highest MLB Contracts
Hello there, baseball fans! Today, we're diving into the world of big bucks and even bigger bats, as we explore the top 10 highest MLB contracts currently signed in Major League Baseball. Buckle up, folks, because we're talking some serious cash here! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top 10 highest mlb contracts.
The Big Leagues: A Look at the Top Earners
Before we jump into the top 10, let's set the stage. The average MLB player makes around $4 million per year. Now, that's a pretty penny, but it's chump change compared to the guys we're about to talk about. These athletes are bringing home the bacon, and then some.
Number 10: Gerrit Cole - $36 million per year
Kicking off our list is none other than Gerrit Cole, the ace pitcher for the New York Yankees. Signed to a massive 9-year, $324 million contract in 2019, Cole is making a cool $36 million per year. Not bad for throwing a ball around, huh?
Number 9: Mookie Betts - $37.5 million per year
Mookie Betts, the reigning World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, comes in at number nine. After a blockbuster trade from the Boston Red Sox, Betts inked a 12-year, $365 million extension with the Dodgers in 2020. That's an average of $37.5 million per year, folks!
Number 8: Mike Trout - $37.1 million per year
You didn't think we'd forget about the three-time AL MVP, did you? Mike Trout, the face of the Los Angeles Angels, is making a tidy $37.1 million per year thanks to his 12-year, $430 million contract extension signed in 2019. Trout is making sure his family is set for generations to come.
Number 7: Max Scherzer - $38.5 million per year
Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, is making a hefty $38.5 million per year with his 7-year, $210 million contract signed with the Washington Nationals in 2015. Scherzer recently opted out of the final year of his deal, but he's still one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history.
Number 6: Zack Greinke - $38.5 million per year
Tied with Scherzer for the sixth spot is Zack Greinke, the veteran pitcher for the Houston Astros. Greinke's 6-year, $206.5 million contract averages out to $38.5 million per year. Not too shabby for a guy who's been around the block a few times.
Number 5: Giancarlo Stanton - $39.5 million per year
Giancarlo Stanton, the powerful outfielder for the New York Yankees, is making a whopping $39.5 million per year thanks to his 13-year, $325 million contract signed with the Miami Marlins in 2014. Despite some injury woes, Stanton is still one of the most feared hitters in the game.
Number 4: Clayton Kershaw - $40 million per year
Clayton Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, is making $40 million per year with his 7-year, $215 million contract extension signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014. Kershaw is one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, and his contract reflects that.
Number 3: Alex Rodriguez - $40.5 million per year
Okay, okay, we know what you're thinking. "Alex Rodriguez retired years ago!" Well, you're right, but A-Rod's 10-year, $275 million contract he signed with the New York Yankees in 2007 is still the third-highest average annual value in MLB history. At $40.5 million per year, it's safe to say A-Rod cashed in during his prime.
Number 2: Manny Machado - $41 million per year
Manny Machado, the superstar infielder for the San Diego Padres, is making $41 million per year thanks to his 10-year, $300 million contract signed in 2019. Machado is one of the most talented hitters in the game, and his contract reflects his elite status.
Number 1: Fernando Tatis Jr. - $460 million over 14 years
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The top spot on our list of highest MLB contracts goes to none other than Fernando Tatis Jr., the phenom shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Tatis Jr. signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension in 2021, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. If Tatis Jr. opts out, the Padres have the option to extend him for another 10 years at $340 million. Either way, Tatis Jr. is set to make a minimum of $340 million over the next 14 years, with the potential to reach $460 million if he stays with the Padres for the full 14 years. That's an average of $32.85 million per year, making Tatis Jr. the highest-paid player in MLB history, at least for now.
The Future of Big Money in Baseball
As we've seen, the top 10 highest MLB contracts are reserved for the game's elite players. With the salary cap eliminated and revenues soaring, we can expect to see even more massive deals in the future. As long as there's money to be made, the best players in the world will be cashing in.
So there you have it, folks! The top 10 highest MLB contracts, laid bare for all to see. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, there's no denying the allure of big-money deals in the world of sports. Until next time, keep your eyes on the ball and your wallets at the ready!