The ten biggest contracts in MLB history showcase the financial commitment teams are willing to make for elite talent, with Juan Soto’s staggering $765 million deal with the New York Mets leading the pack. This record-setting contract, spanning 15 years, surpasses the previous longest deal held by Fernando Tatis Jr. by a full year, ensuring Soto remains a key figure in the sport until he is 40 years old.
(Note: these values are based on data from Spotrac.com)
1. Juan Soto, New York Mets: $765 million over 15 years (reported)
- Soto’s contract not only sets a new benchmark in MLB history but also highlights the Mets’ ambition to build a championship-caliber roster around him.
- Career stats: .285/.421/.532, 201 HRs, 592 RBIs, 769 BBs, 395 XBH, 160 OPS+
- Five-time Silver Slugger, Four-time All-Star
- Three top-five finishes in MVP voting
- 2020 batting champ
- Led MLB in walks three times, on-base percentage twice, slugging once, OPS once
2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: $700 million over 10 years
- Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers marks a significant chapter in his career, where he aims to replicate his dual-threat success in a new environment.
- Stat line after deal (2024): .310/.390/.646/, 54 HRs, 130 RBIs, 99 XBH, 59 SBs
- Career pitching line (did not pitch in 2024): 38-19, 481.2 IP, 3.01 ERA, 608 K, 1.082 WHIP
- One of just nine players in MLB history with multiple 40-HR and 20-SB seasons
- Three-time unanimous MVP (only player to win unanimously multiple times)
- Ohtani’s remarkable power at the plate has redefined expectations for two-way players.
- Four-time All-Star
- Two-time AL MVP (2021, 2023); NL MVP (2024)
- Three-time Silver Slugger
- Fourth in 2022 AL Cy Young voting
3. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: $426.5 million over 12 years
- Trout’s contract, signed in 2019, reflects the Angels’ commitment to their franchise player, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances.
- Stat line after extension (2019): .281/.397/.598/.995, 138 HRs, 306 RBIs, 168 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Four-time All-Star, 2019 AL MVP, Two-time Silver Slugger
- Has missed 417 out of a possible 870 possible games
4. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: $365 million over 12 years
- Betts’ impressive deal came after a successful tenure with the Red Sox, culminating in a World Series title during his first season with the Dodgers.
- Stat line after extension (2021): .288/.373/.527/, 116 HRs, 322 RBIs, 145 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, Finished top-five in MVP voting twice, 2022 Gold Glove, Two-time Silver Slugger
5. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: $360 million over nine years
- Judge’s historic 2022 season, where he set an AL record with 62 home runs, solidified his value and led to this substantial contract.
- Stat line after deal (2023): .300/.438/.666/, 95 HRs, 219 RBIs, 204 OPS+
- Notables since extension: 2024 AL MVP, Two-time All-Star, 223 OPS+ in 2024 was highest by a right-handed hitter in MLB history
6. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres: $350 million over 11 years
- Machado’s lucrative deal reflects the Padres’ strategy to build a competitive team through significant investments in star players.
- Stat line after extension (2023): .267/.322/.467/, 59 HRs, 196 RBIs, 116 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Silver Slugger
7. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: $341 million over 10 years
- Lindor’s contract with the Mets signifies a fresh start after his time with the Indians, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in New York.
- Stat line after extension (2021): .259/.336/.461/, 110 HRs, 359 RBIs, 86 SBs, 122 OPS+
- Notables since extension: 2024 MVP runner-up, Two-time Silver Slugger
8. Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres: $340 million over 14 years
- Tatis Jr.’s massive deal reflects the Padres’ hopes for a bright future, despite a rocky start to his career marked by injuries and a suspension.
- Stat line after extension (2021): .271/.341/.514/, 88 HRs, 224 RBIs, 65 SBs, 134 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Two-time All-Star, One-time Gold Glove, Silver Slugger
9. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: $330 million for 13 years
- Harper’s move to the Phillies marked a significant shift in the MLB landscape, as he became the face of a franchise eager to reclaim its glory.
- Stat line after deal (2019): .285/.391/.533/, 152 HRs, 455 RBIs, 149 OPS+
- Notables since extension: 2021 NL MVP, 2022 NLCS MVP, Two-time All-Star, Three-time Silver Slugger
T-10. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins/New York Yankees: $325 million over 13 years
- Stanton’s contract, once the richest in MLB history, showcases the Marlins’ ambition before his trade to the Yankees, where he continues to be a power hitter.
- Stat line after extension (2015): .249/.334/.516/, 275 HRs, 704 RBIs, 131 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, 2017 MVP, 2022 All-Star Game MVP, 2017 Silver Slugger
T-10. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers: $325 million over 10 years
- Seager’s signing with the Rangers solidified his status as a key player, especially after his playoff heroics, making this contract a pivotal moment for the franchise.
- Stat line after deal (2022): .280/.350/.524, 96 HRs, 253 RBIs, 143 OPS+
- Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, 2023 World Series MVP, 2023 MVP runner-up, 2023 Silver Slugger
T-10. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers: $325 million over 12 years
- Yamamoto’s contract represents a significant investment by the Dodgers, reflecting their confidence in his ability to transition successfully from Japanese baseball to the MLB.
- At 25 years old, he was posted by the Orix Buffaloes last winter following one of the most dominant stretches in Japanese baseball history. He was a three-time Pacific League Most Valuable Player and has a lifetime ERA of 1.82.
- Stat line after deal (2024): 7-2, 90 IP, 3.00 ERA, 105 K, 1.111 WHIP
