The world of Major League Baseball has witnessed some jaw-dropping contracts over the years, but Shohei Ohtani’s recent $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has shattered all records. This historic contract is by far the largest ever signed in MLB history, leaving the rest of the top 10 contracts trailing far behind. Let’s take a closer look at who has the biggest contract in the MLB and how the players have fared since signing them.
1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers): $700 million, 10 years
Shohei Ohtani has proven to be a true two-way sensation in the game. His prowess as both a hitter and pitcher has astounded fans and experts alike.
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Shohei Ohtani made history on December 9, 2023, by finalizing an extraordinary 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing an unparalleled contract valued at $700 million.
With an impressive stat line in majors thus far that includes hitting: .274/.366/.556/.922 171 HR, 437 RBI, 329 XBH, Ohtani has left an indelible mark on the field.
On the pitching mound, he has recorded a 38-19 win-loss record, 481.2 IP, a 3.01 ERA, and an impressive 608 strikeouts.
Ohtani’s remarkable achievements include being one of only nine players in MLB history to achieve multiple 40-home run and 20-stolen base seasons. He is also the first player to win two unanimous MVP awards. Ohtani’s performance on both offense and defense has been nothing short of exceptional.
Ohtani achieved double-digit victories in both of the preceding two seasons, smashing 34 and 44 home runs in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
In the previous season, Ohtani stood out as the lone American League pitcher with over 130 innings pitched, managing to keep opponents to a batting average below .200.
- A player with three All-Star appearances.
- Ohtani secured the AL MVP title twice, in 2021 and 2023.
- A recipient of the Silver Slugger award on two occasions.
- In the 2022 AL Cy Young voting, Ohtani claimed the fourth position.
2. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels): $426.5 million over twelve years
Mike Trout’s impact on the game is undeniable. Since signing his $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Trout has continued to display his incredible talent.
Trout signed this contract in 2019 and spans until the conclusion of the 2030 MLB season, coinciding with his 39th birthday.
With a stat line after extension (2019) that includes .285/.402/.602/1.004 128 HR, 292 RBI, 222 XBH, Trout has consistently delivered exceptional performances on the field.
Notably, Trout has been the only player since 2019 to maintain an OPS over 1.000 and hit over 100 home runs.
His four All-Star appearances and two Silver Slugger awards further solidify his status as a true superstar.
3. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers): $356 million over twelve years
Mookie Betts, a player known for his extraordinary skills both offensively and defensively, has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Read more: : Who is The Highest Paid Baseball Player: Shohei Ohtani Smashes Records in MLB, Earns $70 Million in 2023
Following his 2020 trade from the Red Sox, Betts inked a remarkable 12-year extension featuring an MLB-record $65 million signing bonus. In a stunning turn of events, Betts played a pivotal role in securing a World Series title later that same year.
Since signing his $356 million contract, Betts has maintained an impressive stat line after extension (2021): .281/.373/.536/.909 97 HR, 247 RBI, 213 XBH.
His ability to consistently deliver results in high-pressure situations is evident in his OPS of .900 or higher and over 325 runs scored. Betts’ three All-Star appearances, two Silver Slugger awards, and Gold Glove distinction in 2022 further highlight his exceptional talent.
4. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees): $360 million over 9 years
Aaron Judge’s journey to securing his $360 million contract with the New York Yankees is a testament to his determination and exceptional performance on the field. The agreement will extend until the conclusion of the 2031 MLB season, when he will reach the age of 39.
With a record-breaking 62 home runs in 2022, Judge has showcased his incredible power and ability to make an impact.
Since signing his contract, Judge has maintained a stat line after extension (2023): .267/.406/.613/1.019, 37 HR, 75 RBI, 53 XBH.
His performance, which includes an OPS of 1.000 or higher and All-Star recognition in 2023, leaves no doubt about his status as one of the game’s elite players.
5. Manny Machado (San Diego Padres): $350 million over eleven years
Manny Machado’s move to the San Diego Padres in 2019 came with a whopping $350 million contract. When the final year of the deal approaches, Machado will be 43 years old.
With a stat line after extension (2023): .258/.319/.462/.782, 30 HR, 91 RBI, 51 XBH, Machado has shown his ability to produce consistently.
His prowess in clutch situations is evident in his ability to hit .250 or better with runners in scoring position while hitting 30 or more home runs. Machado’s defensive skills have also earned him acclaim, making him one of the top third basemen in the league.
6. Francisco Lindor (New York Mets): $341 million over 10 years
Lindor, once the face of the Cleveland franchise, transitioned to the Mets and secured an extension in 2021. Although the deal extends through the 2031 season, his contract features a distinctive provision—$50 million in deferred compensation scheduled as $5 million annual payments from 2032 to 2041.
Since signing his $341 million contract, Lindor has maintained a stat line after extension (2021): .254/.333/.447/.780, 77 HR, 268 RBI, 161 XBH.
His impressive numbers, including 10 or more triples and 75 or more home runs as a shortstop since 2021, highlight his exceptional skills. Lindor’s two top-10 MVP finishes and Silver Slugger award in 2023 further cement his status as one of the game’s premier players.
7. Fernando Tatis Jr (San Diego Padres): $340 million over fourteen years
Fernando Tatis Jr’s prodigious talent earned him a monumental $340 million contract with the San Diego Padres in 2021. This agreement, among several other long-term commitments for San Diego, will extend until the conclusion of the 2034 season, coinciding with his age of 35.
With a stat line after extension (2022): .257/.322/.449/.770, 25 HR, 78 RBI, 59 XBH, his impact on the field is undeniable.
Although Tatis Jr faced a suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs in 2022, his statistical feats, such as an average home run distance of 407.6 feet, have impressed fans and analysts alike. Tatis Jr’s Gold Glove distinction in 2023 only adds to the excitement surrounding his bright future.
8. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies): $330 million for thirteen years
Bryce Harper’s free agent move to the Philadelphia Phillies resulted in a groundbreaking $330 million contract.
Having spent his entire career with the Nationals, Harper departed for the division-rival Phillies in 2019. His 13-year contract stands as the lengthiest ever awarded to a free agent, and at the time of its signing, it represented the most substantial deal in MLB history.
Known for his immense power and offensive prowess, Harper has continued to deliver impressive performances.
Since signing his contract, Harper has maintained a stat line after deal (2019): .284/.395/.536/.931 122 HR, 368 RBI, 272 XBH
Harper’s ability to thrive in clutch situations is evident in his .319 average with runners in scoring position. With his All-Star appearances, NL MVP award, NLCS MVP distinction, and two Silver Slugger awards, Harper’s impact on the game is undeniable.
9. Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins/New York Yankees): $325 million over thirteen years
Giancarlo Stanton’s remarkable power at the plate earned him a lucrative $325 million contract.
In 2014, Stanton leveraged his stardom by securing the then-richest deal in MLB history. This substantial contract is set to conclude after the 2027 season. Remarkably, Stanton was traded to the Yankees merely three seasons after inking this monumental extension.
Since signing his deal, Stanton has impressively hit .252/.338/.522/.860 248 HR, 632 RBI, 398 XBH.
His ability to consistently hit long bombs, with an average distance of 414.8 feet, has established him as one of the most feared sluggers in the game. Stanton’s four All-Star appearances, MVP award in 2017, and Silver Slugger distinction further solidify his status as an exceptional player.
10. Corey Seager (Texas Rangers): $325 million over ten years
Corey Seager’s move to the Texas Rangers in 2022 came with a formidable $325 million contract. The shortstop’s contract, which has proven to be highly valuable, concludes in 2031 when he reaches the age of 37.
Seager’s exceptional performances on both offense and defense have made him a standout player.
With a stat line after deal (2021): .287/.361/.528/.888 82 HR, 236 RBI, 174 XBH, Seager has impressed fans with his consistent performance. Notably, he is the only shortstop to hit 65 or more home runs since the 2022 season.
Seager’s accolades, including two All-Star appearances, World Series MVP in 2023, and Silver Slugger award, demonstrate his immense talent and impact on the game.
In the grand tapestry of Major League Baseball, the athlete who has the biggest contract in the MLB stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport. The MLB’s history is rich with remarkable contracts that have shaped the game. From the awe-inspiring talent of Shohei Ohtani to the consistent excellence of players like Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, these contracts have proven to be worthy investments. As the league continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these superstar players leave a lasting legacy on the sport.
Source: https://magnetmix.com
Category: Baseball
