Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen some eye-popping contracts over the years, reflecting the immense earning power of its top stars. As of 2024, several players stand out with multi-million-dollar deals that have reshaped the financial landscape of the sport.
The largest contract in MLB history belongs to Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. Ohtani’s unique two-way ability as both a pitcher and hitter made him the most coveted free agent in recent memory, prompting the Dodgers to make a historic investment.
Following closely behind is Mike Trout’s 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Angels, signed in 2019. Widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in MLB history, Trout’s deal at the time was the largest in sports history.
Other notable contracts include Aaron Judge’s 9-year, $360 million deal with the New York Yankees, which he signed in 2022 after a historic 62-homer season, and Mookie Betts’s 12-year, $365 million deal with the Dodgers in 2020, cementing his place as one of the league’s elite talents.
Other players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper have also landed massive contracts, reflecting the trend of long-term deals with staggering financial commitments. Teams are increasingly willing to pay top dollar to secure young, generational talents for the long haul.
While these contracts often come with high expectations and pressure to deliver championships, they also represent the immense revenue generated by MLB, as well as the growing market for global stars. As player salaries continue to rise, these record-breaking contracts may only become more frequent in the years to come.
Leave a Reply