10 Biggest MLB Contracts of All Time | 2024Edition

Major League Baseball (MLB) is renowned not just for its rich history and thrilling games but also for the astronomical contracts awarded to its top players. These elite athletes, whose exceptional skills and performances captivate millions of fans, receive financial rewards that set them for life. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the Biggest MLB Contracts highlight the immense value these players bring to their teams. As of May 22, 2024, these contracts represent the pinnacle of financial success in American sports.

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Biggest MLB Contracts

The Biggest MLB Contracts showcase the substantial investments teams make in securing top talent. These deals not only reflect the players’ past achievements but also their anticipated contributions to their teams’ futures. Here are the ten most lucrative MLB contracts awarded as of 2024:

1. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers ($700 Million)

In 2024, Shohei Ohtani shattered records with a jaw-dropping 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This two-way sensation, known for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, now holds the highest-paying contract in MLB history.

Despite a unique structure with deferred payments, Ohtani’s deal underscores his status as a generational talent and the premier player in the game today. His ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter sets him apart, making this monumental contract a testament to his extraordinary skill set and unparalleled value in baseball.

2. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels ($426.5 Million)

Mike Trout, the perennial MVP contender, remains a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Angels with his 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension. This massive deal reflects the team’s commitment to their star player and their confidence in his ability to lead them on the field.

Despite occasional injury setbacks, Trout’s consistent excellence and historic performances cement his place among the all-time greats in baseball. His remarkable talent and dedication have made him one of the most respected and admired players in the sport, solidifying his legacy in MLB history.

3. Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers ($365 Million)

After clinching a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, Mookie Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers wasted no time in securing his services long-term, signing him to a 12-year, $365 million extension.

Betts continues to be a critical asset, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ ongoing success. His exceptional skills both offensively and defensively make him one of the most valuable players in the league, ensuring the Dodgers remain strong contenders for future championships.

4. Aaron Judge – New York Yankees ($360 Million)

Aaron Judge’s decision to bet on himself paid off spectacularly. Following a historic 2023 season where he smashed 62 home runs, Judge secured a colossal $360 million contract extension with the New York Yankees.

This deal not only rewards his remarkable performance but also sets the record for the highest average annual salary in MLB history. Judge’s power-hitting and leadership on the field make him an invaluable player, ensuring his place as a key figure in the Yankees’ lineup for years to come.

5. Francisco Lindor – New York Mets ($341 Million)

The New York Mets made headlines in 2021 by trading for star shortstop Francisco Lindor and promptly signing him to a 10-year, $341 million contract. This massive deal reflects the Mets’ commitment to building a competitive team around Lindor’s exceptional talents.

The contract, which includes deferred compensation, ensures Lindor will be a key fixture in the Mets’ lineup for a decade. His dynamic play and leadership on the field are expected to be instrumental in the Mets’ pursuit of sustained success and potential championships.

6. Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres ($340 Million)

Despite missing the entire 2022 season due to injury and an off-field issue, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million contract with the San Diego Padres remains one of the Biggest MLB Contracts. This long-term deal reflects the Padres’ belief in Tatis Jr.’s extraordinary talent and potential impact on the team.

The Padres are banking on Tatis Jr. to bounce back and lead them to their first World Series title. His dynamic abilities both at the plate and in the field make him a crucial player for the Padres’ future aspirations, as they look to capitalize on his return to form.

7. Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies ($330 Million)

Bryce Harper, a two-time NL MVP, still boasts one of the Biggest MLB Contracts with his 13-year, $330 million deal signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. This monumental contract underscores the Phillies’ confidence in Harper’s ability to deliver consistent excellence on the field.

Harper’s enduring talent and leadership continue to make him one of baseball’s top earners. His impact extends beyond statistics, as he serves as a guiding force both on and off the field, setting the standard for his teammates and solidifying his place as one of the game’s premier players.

8. Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins ($325 Million)

Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million contract with the Miami Marlins, signed in 2014, remains a landmark deal in MLB history. This monumental contract reflects the Marlins’ recognition of Stanton’s exceptional power-hitting capabilities and his potential to be a franchise cornerstone.

Although Stanton was later traded to the New York Yankees, his contract still stands as a testament to his power-hitting capabilities. Despite injuries and challenges, Stanton’s ability to crush home runs continues to be a defining feature of his game, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s premier sluggers.

9. Corey Seager – Texas Rangers ($325 Million)

In a bold move, the Texas Rangers signed Corey Seager to a 10-year, $325 million contract in 2021. This significant investment reflects the Rangers’ confidence in Seager’s offensive prowess and his potential to elevate the team’s performance on the field.

Seager’s offensive talent has proven to be a wise investment for the Rangers. As a central figure in the team’s lineup, his contributions play a crucial role in their pursuit of a World Series championship. With Seager’s skills and leadership, the Rangers aim to establish themselves as contenders in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.

10. Rafael Devers – Boston Red Sox ($313.5 Million)

The Boston Red Sox secured their future by signing third baseman Rafael Devers to a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023. This substantial contract underscores the Red Sox’s dedication to preserving their core talent and ensuring Devers remains an integral part of their lineup for years to come.

This contract highlights the Red Sox’s commitment to building a competitive team around Devers’ exceptional skills and leadership qualities. As a cornerstone of their lineup, Devers plays a vital role in the team’s success and their aspirations for future championships.

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Conclusion

These contracts represent the pinnacle of financial rewards in baseball, reflecting the immense value these players bring to their teams. As the Biggest MLB Contracts continue to evolve, these deals stand as milestones in the sport’s history, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of these elite athletes. Whether through their consistent performances or their potential to lead their teams to future glory, these players have secured their legacies and their financial futures in the world of Major League Baseball. In the broader context of American sports, these monumental contracts highlight the significant impact and popularity of baseball, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the nation’s athletic culture.