The biggest contracts in MLB history will blow your mind. Major League Baseball has gained a reputation for big-money signings over the years, with teams spending hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire their desired players.
Following Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking move to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the list of the top 10 biggest contracts in MLB history has changed. Let’s take a closer look at the most lucrative MLB deals of all time.
Top Ten Biggest Contracts in MLB History
Here are the top ten biggest contracts in MLB history:
10. Corey Seager – Texas Rangers ($325 million Over 10 Years)
After making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Corey Seager joined the Texas Rangers in 2022. The two-time All-Star won the World Series MVP and Silver Slugger Award in 2023, repaying some of his monster $325 million earnings.
9. Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins ($325 million Over 13 Years)
In 2014, Giancarlo Stanton capitalized on his stardom by signing the richest deal in MLB history. Just three seasons later, however, the California native moved from the Miami Marlins to the New York Yankees. Since then, Stanton has picked up multiple individual awards.
8. Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies ($330 million Over 13 Years)
When it comes to discussing the biggest contracts in MLB history, you can’t leave out Bryce Harper. When Harper swapped the Washington Nationals for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, his deal broke the record for the largest MLB contract of all time.
7. Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres ($340 million Over 14 Years)
Not only does Fernando Tatis Jr. possess one of the biggest contracts in MLB history, but he also holds the longest contract in the league. The 2023 Gold Glove winner will remain at the San Diego Padres until the 2034 season, having signed in 2021.
6. Francisco Lindor – New York Mets ($341 million Over 10 Years)
Francisco Lindor was the Cleveland Guardians’ superstar between 2015 and 2020 before joining the New York Mets. The 2023 Silver Slugger is one of only two shortstops with 75+ homers and 10+ triples since 2021, so the Mets will view the deal as money well spent.
5. Manny Machado – San Diego Padres ($350 million Over 11 Years)
After signing a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres as a free agent in 2019, Manny Machado re-upped in 2023 for $350 million, signing one of the biggest contracts in MLB history. Since extending, Machado is one of only three third basemen to hit 30+ homers.
4. Aaron Judge – New York Yankees ($360 million Over 9 Years)
In 2022, Aaron Judge made history by slugging an AL-record 62 homers. Consequently, the superstar outfielder secured a whopping $360 million deal with the New York Yankees. Following the extension, Judge became an All-Star in 2023.
3. Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers ($356 million Over 12 Years)
After being traded from the Boston Red Sox in 2020, Mookie Betts signed one of the biggest contracts in MLB history with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts fired the Dodgers to World Series glory that season before winning the Gold Glove in 2022.
2. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels ($426.5 million Over 12 Years)
What can we say about Mike Trout that hasn’t already been said? The four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger signed a mammoth $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, winning the AL MVP Award that year. Until 2023, it was the largest MLB contract of all time.
1. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers ($700 million Over 10 Years)
After becoming the first-ever player to win two unanimous MVPs, Shohei Ohtani shattered MLB’s contract record by signing with the Dodgers for a colossal $700 million. Time will tell whether “Shotime” can live up to his price tag.