The Top 10 Highest-Paid Baseball Players: A Salary Slugfest!
Hello there, baseball fanatics! Today, we're diving into the big leagues to explore the top 10 highest-paid baseball players. Buckle up as we take a swing at the hefty salaries these superstars are raking in. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top 10 highest-paid baseball players.
The Millionaire's Club: The Top 5
1. Mike Trout - $37.1 Million
Kicking off our list is the Los Angeles Angels' center fielder, Mike Trout. This three-time MVP is not only a powerhouse on the field but also in the bank. Trout's annual salary is a whopping $37.1 million, making him the highest-paid player in baseball. With his current contract set to expire in 2020, the Angels will have to shell out even more to keep this superstar.
2. Gerrit Cole - $36 Million
Coming in at a close second is Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees. Cole signed a massive 9-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees in 2019, making him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. His annual salary of $36 million is a testament to his dominant performances on the mound.
3. Max Scherzer - $35.95 Million
The Washington Nationals' ace, Max Scherzer, rounds out the top three with an annual salary of $35.95 million. Scherzer's contract, signed in 2015, is worth a cool $210 million over seven years. This three-time Cy Young Award winner is worth every penny to the Nationals.
4. Zack Greinke - $35.18 Million
Zack Greinke, the Houston Astros' veteran pitcher, comes in at number four with an annual salary of $35.18 million. Greinke's contract, signed in 2019, is worth $206.5 million over six years. Despite his high salary, Greinke has been a solid addition to the Astros' rotation.
5. Manny Machado - $34 Million
The San Diego Padres' star third baseman, Manny Machado, wraps up the top five with an annual salary of $34 million. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres in 2019, making him the largest free-agent deal in MLB history. Machado's bat and glove have been instrumental in the Padres' recent success.
The Big Leagues: The Next 5
6. David Price - $32 Million
David Price, the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher, takes the sixth spot with an annual salary of $32 million. Price's contract, signed in 2015, is worth $217 million over seven years. Despite some injury setbacks, Price has been a valuable addition to the Dodgers' rotation.
7. Justin Verlander - $31 Million
The Houston Astros' ace, Justin Verlander, comes in at number seven with an annual salary of $31 million. Verlander's contract, signed in 2019, is worth $94 million over two years. This future Hall of Famer continues to dominate on the mound, earning every dollar of his salary.
8. Giancarlo Stanton - $30.5 Million
Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees' outfielder, takes the eighth spot with an annual salary of $30.5 million. Stanton's contract, signed in 2014, is worth a staggering $325 million over 13 years. Despite some injury woes, Stanton has been a powerful force in the Yankees' lineup when healthy.
9. Jonathan Lucroy - $21 Million
Jonathan Lucroy, the Los Angeles Angels' catcher, comes in at number nine with an annual salary of $21 million. Lucroy's contract, signed in 2020, is worth $21 million over one year. Despite his high salary, Lucroy has been a solid addition to the Angels' lineup and a mentor to their young players.
10. Robinson Cano - $20 Million
Rounding out our list is Robinson Cano, the New York Mets' second baseman, with an annual salary of $20 million. Cano's contract, signed in 2014, is worth $240 million over 10 years. Despite some off-the-field issues, Cano has been a consistent performer at the plate for the Mets.
The MVP of Salaries
There you have it, folks! The top 10 highest-paid baseball players are raking in some serious cash. From Trout's MVP-level salary to Cano's consistent contributions, these superstars are worth every penny to their respective teams. As the great Yogi Berra once said, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore," but these players are making a strong case for the value of a dollar in today's MLB!