When it comes to professional sports, baseball is undoubtedly one of the highest-paying. Major League Baseball (MLB) players earn some of the highest salaries in all sports, with some of the league`s top players earning millions of dollars annually. The highest-paid MLB contract per year varies from season to season, but here are some of the top contracts in MLB history.
1. Mike Trout – $37.7 million per year (2019-2030)
Mike Trout, who plays center field for the Los Angeles Angels, signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension in 2019, making him the highest-paid player in MLB history. His annual salary is a staggering $37.7 million, more than $10 million higher than the next-highest paid player on this list.
2. Bryce Harper – $25.4 million per year (2019-2031)
Outfielder Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, giving him an annual salary of $25.4 million. Harper has been one of the top players in the league since his debut in 2012, and his contract reflects that.
3. Gerrit Cole – $36 million per year (2020-2028)
Pitcher Gerrit Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2019, giving him an annual salary of $36 million. Cole is considered one of the best pitchers in the league, with a career ERA of 3.22 and more than 1,400 strikeouts.
4. Nolan Arenado – $32.5 million per year (2019-2026)
Third baseman Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with the Colorado Rockies in 2019, giving him an annual salary of $32.5 million. Arenado is a five-time All-Star and has won seven Gold Glove Awards in his career.
5. Manny Machado – $30 million per year (2019-2028)
Third baseman Manny Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres in 2019, giving him an annual salary of $30 million. Machado is a four-time All-Star and has won two Gold Glove Awards in his career.
These are just a few examples of the highest-paid MLB contracts per year. Other notable players who have signed massive contracts include Giancarlo Stanton, Max Scherzer, and Miguel Cabrera. While these contracts may seem like an exorbitant amount of money, they reflect the high level of skill and talent that these players possess. And for the teams that sign them, they hope that these big contracts will lead to championship success.