MLB's Top Earners: Forbes Releases 2024 Highest-Paid Player List
Pic Courtesy @ Google Images
Since their 2020 World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced disappointment in the playoffs for three consecutive years despite high expectations. To reclaim their spot in the Fall Classic, the Dodgers made significant investments in the offseason, securing the services of two coveted free agents in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic two-way player, inked a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, setting a new record for the largest contract in team sports history. Just two weeks later, the Dodgers bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million over 12 years, making him the highest-paid Japanese pitcher in history.
As a result of these signings, the Dodgers now boast the top two highest-paid players in baseball for the current season, according to Forbes. The combined earnings of baseball’s top 10 highest-paid players are projected to reach a record $462 million this year, marking a 6% increase from the previous all-time high in 2023.
Let’s take a closer look at the top earners in Major League Baseball for 2024:
1) Shohei Ohtani ($62 million)
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
On-Field: $2 million
Off-Field: $60 million
Ohtani’s electrifying performances have made him a must-see player, driving ticket sales across the league and leading to a lucrative partnership between MLB and Japan’s largest travel agency.
2) Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($59 million)
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
On-Field: $55 million
Off-Field: $4 million
Despite never having thrown a pitch in Major League Baseball, Yamamoto secured the most expensive pitching contract in history.
3) Max Scherzer ($53 million)
Team: Texas Rangers
On-Field: $52 million
Off-Field: $1 million
Scherzer’s multi-team earnings include contributions from the New York Mets and a deferred payment from the Washington Nationals.
4) Aaron Judge ($45 million)
Team: New York Yankees
On-Field: $40 million
Off-Field: $5 million
Judge is in the second season of his lucrative contract and has recently become the face of a fragrance line.
5) Justin Verlander ($44.1 million)
Team: Houston Astros
On-Field: $43.3 million
Off-Field: $0.8 million
Verlander’s return to Houston comes with contributions from the New York Mets and incentives based on performance.
6) Jose Altuve ($43 million)
Team: Houston Astros
On-Field: $41 million
Off-Field: $2 million
Altuve secured a long-term extension with the Astros, including a significant signing bonus.
7) Jacob deGrom ($40.3 million)
- Team: Texas Rangers
- On-Field: $40 million
- Off-Field: $0.3 million
- DeGrom’s lucrative deal with the Rangers has faced challenges due to injury but promises substantial earnings in the coming years.
8) Mike Trout ($40 million)
- Team: Los Angeles Angels
- On-Field: $35.5 million
- Off-Field: $4.5 million
- Trout remains committed to the Angels with a sizable portion of his contract yet to be fulfilled.
9) Anthony Rendon ($38.1 million)
Team: Los Angeles Angels
On-Field: $38 million
Off-Field: $0.1 million
Rendon is in the final years of his lucrative contract with the Angels.
10) Corey Seager ($37.5 million)
Team: Texas Rangers
On-Field: $34.5 million
Off-Field: $3 million
Seager’s success on the field has translated into numerous sponsorship deals, adding to his earnings.
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