Top 10 Most Expensive Baseball Player Contracts as of 2024

The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) contracts has seen significant shifts over the years, with players now securing multimillion-dollar deals that reflect their immense value to their teams. 

Here are the top 10 most expensive baseball player contracts as of 2024:

1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Contract Value: $700 million

Annual Average Value (AAV): $70 million

Ohtani, a two-way player (pitcher and designated hitter), made history with this record-breaking deal, which reflects both his elite skills as a pitcher and hitter.

2. Justin Verlander (Houston Astros)

Contract Value: $86.67 million (2 years)

AA: $43.3 million

Verlander’s deal is one of the highest for a starting pitcher, showcasing his lasting dominance even at the age of 40.

3. Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers)

Contract Value: $130 million (3 years)

AAV: $43.3 million

Scherzer’s deal reflects his reputation as one of the best pitchers in MLB, despite being in the later stages of his career.

4. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Contract Value: $360 million (9 years)

AAV: $40 million

The reigning American League MVP’s massive contract is a testament to his power-hitting abilities and leadership for the Yankees.

5. Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)

Contract Value: $185 million (5 years)

AAV: $37 million

Known for his electric fastball and dominance on the mound, deGrom’s deal solidifies his place as one of the highest-paid pitchers.

6. Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)

Contract Value: $324 million (9 years)

AAV: $36 million

As one of the top starting pitchers in the game, Cole’s deal reflects his impact on the mound.

7. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)

Contract Value: $426.5 million (12 years)

AAV: $35.5 million

Trout’s long-term commitment with the Angels cements him as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

8. Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals)

Contract Value: $245 million (7 years)

AAV: $35 million

Despite his injury struggles, Strasburg’s 2019 World Series heroics earned him this lucrative deal.

9. Patrick Corbin (Washington Nationals)

Contract Value: $284 million (8 years)

AAV: $35.5 million

This deal highlighted the Nationals’ investment in their pitching rotation, although Corbin has faced challenges since signing.

10. Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals)

Contract Value: $350 million (10 years)

AAV: $35 million

Arenado’s contract was a statement of the Cardinals’ commitment to a top-tier third baseman with excellent defensive and offensive production.

These contracts not only showcase the high value MLB places on premier talent but also reflect the evolving financial landscape within the sport, with some players securing landmark deals based on their elite performances and marketability.