Money Talks in MLB: Unveiling the Most Lucrative Contracts
Baseball fans, get ready to be amazed! We're diving into the world of Major League Baseball's (MLB) most jaw-dropping contracts, ranked by their average annual value (AAV). But before we begin, a quick note: when a player signs an extension, only the new money is considered for this list. For a breakdown of the largest total contracts, check out this link.
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers: $70,000,000
This two-way phenom secured a record-breaking deal in December 2023. Here's the twist: a whopping 97.1% of this contract is deferred until 2034-43. This unique structure led to different AAV calculations: MLB determined it as $46.06 million, while the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) pegged it at $43,783,056.30.
2. Juan Soto, Mets: $51,000,000
Signed in December 2024, Soto's contract stands out due to its lack of deferred payments, making it the true AAV record holder in many eyes.
3. Max Scherzer, Mets: $43,333,333.33
The veteran ace joined the Mets in November 2021, solidifying their rotation with his experience and skill.
4. Justin Verlander, Mets: $43,330,000
Another Mets acquisition, Verlander signed in December 2022, adding further firepower to their pitching staff.
5. Zack Wheeler, Phillies: $42,000,000
Wheeler extended his stay with the Phillies in March 2024, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
t-6. Aaron Judge, Yankees: $40,000,000
The Yankees retained their powerhouse slugger with a massive contract in December 2022.
t-6. Alex Bregman, Red Sox: $40,000,000
Bregman joined the Red Sox in February 2025. Due to deferrals, his AAV for luxury tax purposes is considered $31.7 million.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of deferrals on contract values is a complex issue. Should deferred payments be factored into AAV calculations, or does it distort the true cost of a player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The list continues with stars like Jacob deGrom, Blake Snell, Mike Trout, and many more. Each contract tells a story of talent, negotiation, and the ever-evolving landscape of MLB finances.
But here's where it gets controversial... Are these massive contracts sustainable for teams? Do they benefit the sport as a whole, or do they create a widening gap between the haves and have-nots? Weigh in with your opinions below!
