Top 10 highest-paid MLB players in 2026 and their massive contracts explained

Major League Baseball is the heart and soul of American sports, and while its players are thoroughly known for their impactful performances on the mound, their contracts highlight just how rightly they are compensated.

MLB has always been known for its multi-million dollar contracts, often by franchises vying for the elite players to fill their role of bringing both championships and global marketability. Data tracked by industry contract database, Spotrac, indicates several MLB stars now average of $30-$70 million in salary per year through long-term guaranteed deals. But what about the $700 million contract club, outbidding all odds? Here’s a look at MLB’s highest-paid players in 2026, securing wealth through bonuses, endorsements, and long-term guarantees.

MLB’s highest-paid players and their record contracts

1) Juan Soto: New York Mets, 15 years and $765 million contract

Juan Soto became the highest-paid contract in the history of the MLB by total value, after he signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets starting in 2025 and through 2039. The contract has an average annual salary of $51 million, according to Spotrac. The agreement comes with a $75 million signing bonus, a complete no-trade clause, and a player opt-out after the 2029 season. If the Mets choose, they can void the opt-out by making the contract's yearly value higher in the later years.

2) Shohei Ohtani: LA Dodgers, 10 years and $700 million contract

As per Spotrac reports, Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that runs from 2024 to 2033 with an average annual salary of $70 million. The deal has an unprecedented deferral structure: with $680 million in deferred payments to be paid between 2034 and 2043, while Ohtani gets about $2 million a year during the active years of his contract. The agreement structure allows the Dodgers to be more payroll flexible while the contract guarantees Ohtani the full value of the contract at a later date.

The deal also has a full no-trade clause in it, allowing Ohtani to become a free agent again in 2034.

3) Mike Trout: Los Angeles Angels, 12 years and $426.5 million contract

Mike Trout signed a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, extending through 2030. Spotrac indicates that the contract has an average annual value of about $35.5 million. At the time of signing, it was the biggest contract in the history of North American sports, due to Trout's dominance as a three-time MVP and one of the most consistent performers in baseball.

4) Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, 12 years and $365 million contract

Mookie Betts signed a contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 12 years at $365 million starting in 2021 through 2032 with an average salary of approximately $30.4 million per year. The Dodgers tied Betts down to the deal just after they acquired him from the Boston Red Sox, and they won the 2020 World Series, making him a cornerstone of the franchise.

5) Aaron Judge: New York Yankees, 9 years and $360 million contract

Aaron Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees that spans the years 2023 through 2031 for a total of $40 million ($40 million on average) per year.

The Yankees rewarded Judge after he had a historic 62 home runs, the most in American League history. The deal also solidified his role as the captain of the team and the face of the franchise.

6) Manny Machado: San Diego Padres, 11 years, $350 million contract

Manny Machado signed an 11-year, $350m extension with the San Diego Padres beginning in 2023, carrying him through 2033 with an annual salary averaging near $31.8 million. The extension superseded his previous contract and reinstated the Padres' commitment to building around Machado as the team's long-term leader.

7) Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Toronto Blue Jays, 14 years and $500 million contract

One of the latest mega-contracts was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vladimir signed a 14-year, $500 million contract that starts in 2026 and lasts through 2039, according to Spotrac. The average annual value of the contract is approximately $35.7 million. The extension keeps the Toronto Blue Jays' superstar first baseman with the franchise for the majority of his prime years.

MLB’s highest-paid contracts showcase a new era

The explosive rise in the cost of MLB contracts speaks to the increased investment by franchises to stay competitive and invest in superstar talent. With billion-dollar media deals and worldwide fan engagement helping to grow the sport's revenues, the next generation of players could get even bigger contracts. As is the case with Ohtani and Soto, the mix of high salaries, endorsement contracts, and long-term guarantees continues to turn elite MLB players into some of the wealthiest athletes in the world.