10 Biggest Contracts in the history of Major League Baseball
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Major League Baseball - Manny Machado, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Alex Rodriguez
Major League Baseball is the first name that would come to person’s mind when talking about baseball, the league has grown to be one of the highest-paying professional team sport in the United States of America. Every year, a major talent pops up who bags a massive deal and this year it could be Aaron Judge who enters the list.
Back in 2003, Alex Rodriguez made it to the Forbes list of richest athletes on the planet and with the growing viewership of the league, the contracts have been much more exciting after that. In the modern-day sporting world, players are not only judged upon the talent they behold, they are also judged on the amount they receive in their pockets each month, each year.
Let’s have a look at the 10 biggest contracts signed in the history of Major League Baseball.
Also Read: MLB owners to be ENRICHED with $30 million each after Disney’s exquisite acquisition of BAMTech
Major League Baseball – Nolan Arenado – Colorado Rockies, $260 million
Nolan Arenado agreed upon an 8-year deal worth $260 million on 26th February, 2019. He ended up his season with a .315/.379/.583 in 154 games, ending up amongst the top players in hits (185) and total bases (343).
He bashed 41 home runs in the 2019 season but unfortunately, he was seen unhappy with the Colorado Rockies and requested a trade. He still played the 2020 pandemic-shortened season with Rockies before joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.
MLB – Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees, $275 million
When it comes to contracts, Alex Rodriguez has always set records, be it with Texas or New York. During his shift from Seattle Mariners to Texas Rangers, he signed a contract worth $252 million winning 2003 MVP award.
After 3 years, Alex Rodriguez signed the largest contract in Major League Baseball worth $275 million with the New York Yankees. The contract even mentioned that the shortstop would retire with the Yankees.
MLB – Manny Machado – San Diego Padres, $300 million
Manny Machado is the player who currently opens the door to the $300 million club. He signed a 10-year deal with the San Diego Padres on 21st February, 2019. For two whole weeks, Manny Machado was the player to sign the largest contract in the history of American sports, before Bryce Harper hopped on a $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB – Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees, $324 million
Gerrit Cole was one of the only pitchers to have a salary like stars, well, it was the Yankees, they do have the capacity to go the extra mile if they seem necessary. Yankees did sign Cole for a franchise record of $324 million, deal extending to a nine-year tenure.
In the 2022 season, Cole made 33 starts with the team striking out 257 with a 13-8 record. He prefers to play his style with is power pitching, he loves four-seam and two-seam fastball.
MLB – Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins, $325 million
Stanton had an amazing 2014 season, after which Miami Marlins seemed desperate to sign the star for what he was worth. November 17th, 2014 marks the date when Giancarlo Stanton agreed to a 13-year contract worth $325 million. The deal even noted a no-trade clause and the slugger could only opt out of the contract once he turned 30.
MLB – Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies, $330 million
Bryce Harper was the player to chase for in 2019, and without a doubt he has performed to his worth. Washington Nationals agreed to trade Bryce in 2019 for a whopping $330 million contract offer put on the table. Bryce harper is a 7-time All Star and hold 2 NL MVP awards.
For Bryce Harper’s displeasure, The Washington Nationals went on to emerge victorious in the 2019 World Series. 2022 stood a chance for Harper to win his ring but unfortunately all he could get was the NLCS MVP.
MLB – Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres, $340 million
In the modern-day play, Fernando Tatis Jr. was considered on of the most promising prospects of Major League Baseball. The San Diego Padres also sided with the pundits and offered Tatis Jr. a deal worth $340 million before the start of 2021 season.
He did not disappoint the team for his performance on the field but unfortunately Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid.
MLB – Francisco Lindor – New York Mets, $341 million
Fransisco Lindor was traded to the New York Mets on January 7th, 2021 and just hours before Opening Day the franchise offered a 10-year, $341 million extension. The biggest signing bonus amount record was set after Lindor’s deal.
Lindor is a 4-time All-Star and has bagged 2-time Gold Glove Award and 2-time Silver Slugger Award.
MLB – Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers, $365 million
Boston Red Sox were not expected to trade their most vital player in the 2018 World Series Championship. The 6-time All-Star and 2-time World Series Champion signed a 12-year $365 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and went on to win his 2nd World Series the same year.
Mookie Betts finished second to NL MVP Freddie Freeman 2020 in his debut season for the Dodgers.
MLB – Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels, $430 million
Mike Trout holds the record for the largest MLB contract in the history of Major League Baseball. The Los Angeles Angels signed $430 million on a 12-year contract with no option to opt-out. The star has won 3 MVP awards in his career and there is no doubt he might land a few more if Angels improve their line-up or if he trades away.
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Yagya Bhargava
(611 Articles Published)