The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) is known for its competitive spirit, electric atmosphere, and, of course, massive player contracts. Baseball players are among the highest-paid athletes in the world, with top earners signing contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In this article, we will take a look at some of the richest MLB player contracts of all time.
1. Mike Trout
Mike Trout, a center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, holds the record for the largest contract in MLB history. In March 2019, Trout signed a 12-year extension worth $426.5 million. This deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and has an average annual value of $35.5 million.
2. Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper, an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, signed a 13-year contract worth $330 million in February 2019. This deal includes a no-trade clause and a $20 million signing bonus. Harper`s average annual value is $25.4 million.
3. Giancarlo Stanton
In November 2014, Giancarlo Stanton signed a 13-year contract worth $325 million with the Miami Marlins. This deal includes a no-trade clause and an opt-out option after the 2020 season. Stanton`s average annual value is $25 million.
4. Manny Machado
Manny Machado, a third baseman for the San Diego Padres, signed a 10-year contract worth $300 million in February 2019. This deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and an opt-out option after the 2023 season. Machado`s average annual value is $30 million.
5. Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez, a retired third baseman, signed two of the largest contracts in MLB history. In December 2000, he signed a 10-year contract worth $252 million with the Texas Rangers. He then signed a 10-year contract worth $275 million with the New York Yankees in December 2007. Rodriguez`s average annual value for both contracts was $27.5 million.
6. Nolan Arenado
In February 2019, Nolan Arenado, a third baseman for the Colorado Rockies, signed an eight-year contract worth $260 million. This deal includes a no-trade clause and an opt-out option after the 2021 season. Arenado`s average annual value is $32.5 million.
7. Joey Votto
Joey Votto, a first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, signed a 10-year contract worth $225 million in April 2012. This deal includes a no-trade clause and has an average annual value of $22.5 million.
8. Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals, signed a seven-year contract worth $210 million in January 2015. This deal includes a $50 million signing bonus and has an average annual value of $30 million.
9. Robinson Cano
Robinson Cano, a second baseman for the New York Mets, signed a 10-year contract worth $240 million in December 2013. This deal includes a no-trade clause and has an average annual value of $24 million.
10. Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera, a first baseman for the Detroit Tigers, signed an eight-year contract worth $248 million in March 2014. This deal includes a no-trade clause and has an average annual value of $31 million.
In conclusion, these ten players have signed some of the largest contracts in MLB history. These deals show the value that teams place on star players and their importance to the success of a franchise. With each passing year, we can expect contracts to get even larger as teams compete for the best players in the league.