The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) has become a lucrative arena for athletes, making it the most financially rewarding professional sports league in America. Players often secure guaranteed contracts worth hundreds of millions, a stark contrast to the non-guaranteed deals prevalent in football and the unpredictable earning potential in basketball. As monumental contracts continue to escalate, we explore the landscape of career earnings in baseball, showcasing its top earners and the recent record-breaking deals.
The Evolution of Mega-Contracts
The era of extravagant contracts in MLB truly began with Alex Rodriguez. In 2000, he signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million agreement with the Texas Rangers, which was then the largest contract in professional sports history. Just seven years later, he surpassed this milestone by signing another 10-year deal, this time for $275 million with the New York Yankees. These massive contracts, combined with lucrative endorsements and playoff bonuses, propelled Rodriguez to retire with over $455 million in career earnings.
As the years progressed, MLB entered a phase of unprecedented financial commitment to its star players. Teams began to engage in billion-dollar spending sprees, signing prominent players to contracts that seemed unimaginable. Notable examples include Bryce Harper’s $330 million deal with the Phillies, Mike Trout’s $426.5 million contract with the Angels, and Aaron Judge’s $360 million agreement with the Yankees. The recent signing of Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023 demonstrated the ongoing trend, albeit with deferrals extending payments into the 2040s.
This record, however, was quickly eclipsed when Juan Soto secured a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in December 2024, setting a new benchmark not only for MLB but for all professional sports globally. Analyzing the landscape of career earnings shows a clear divide: the top earners in baseball have reached a level of financial security that is unmatched.
Top 25 Highest Career Earnings in MLB History
The following figures reflect only base MLB salaries, excluding endorsements, bonuses, and deferred payments:
- Alex Rodriguez – $455.2 million (1994 to 2016)
- Justin Verlander – $419.2 million (2005 to present)
- Miguel Cabrera – $400.4 million (2003 to 2023)
- Max Scherzer – $366.6 million (2008 to present)
- Albert Pujols – $346.5 million (2001 to 2022)
- Zack Greinke – $338.5 million (2004 to present)
- Stephen Strasburg – $320.5 million (2010 to present)
- Mike Trout – $319.3 million (2011 to present)
- Clayton Kershaw – $307.2 million (2008 to present)
- David Price – $271.0 million (2008 to 2022)
- Bryce Harper – $256.8 million (2012 to present)
- Manny Machado – $253.5 million (2012 to present)
- Robinson Canó – $248.7 million (2005 to 2022)
- Aaron Judge – $236.0 million (2016 to present)
- Gerrit Cole – $230.1 million (2013 to present)
- Jon Lester – $198.0 million (2006 to 2021)
- CC Sabathia – $193.0 million (2001 to 2019)
- Chris Sale – $182.5 million (2010 to present)
- Anthony Rendon – $180.0 million (2013 to present)
- Jason Heyward – $179.5 million (2010 to present)
- Joey Votto – $175.0 million (2007 to 2023)
- Yu Darvish – $173.0 million (2012 to present)
- Nolan Arenado – $170.0 million (2013 to present)
- Carlos Correa – $168.0 million (2015 to present)
- Troy Tulowitzki – $164.0 million (2006 to 2019)
The Future of MLB Contracts
The landscape of MLB contracts continues to evolve, with new players on the horizon ready to break existing records. Although Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract is currently the largest, only $2 million per year will be disbursed during its term, with most earnings deferred for decades. In contrast, Juan Soto is actively earning his $765 million, and if he completes his contract, he will define a new era of earnings in the league.
In addition, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has signed a promising 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays, positioning him as another prospective member of this elite financial club. With these developments, it is evident that baseball’s financial capacities are far from peak, and the next generation of players is already set to reap significant rewards.
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