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Top 20 Highest Paid Baseball Players of 2023 

As someone who has always been enthralled by the dramatic spectacle of baseball, going into the world of the sport’s highest-paid players is an amazing experience.

Baseball’s fascination goes beyond the diamond, combining athletic prowess with financial achievement. As I look at the top 20 highest-paid baseball players in 2023, I’m struck by the incredible talent and determination that propels these athletes to the top of their games.

From strong hitters to dominant pitchers, each player’s contract reflects not only their on-field performance but also the economic landscape of professional baseball. Join me as we unearth the story behind the contracts and explore the world of baseball‘s top earners.

1. Shohei Ohtani – $70.0 million

Shohei Ohtani (52251723213) (cropped 2).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Shohei Ohtani, born July 5, 1994, and nicknamed “Shotime,” is a Japanese MLB pitcher and designated hitter who now plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the NPB.

Ohtani’s peak performance has been compared to Babe Ruth’s. He started in the NPB in 2013, winning the 2016 Japan Series, before moving to the MLB in 2018 and winning AL Rookie of the Year.

In 2021, he created history by batting and pitching simultaneously. Ohtani’s 2023 accomplishments include MVP wins, record-breaking stats, and the richest sports deal ever at $700 million, with an annual salary of $70.0 million in 2023.

2. Max Scherzer – $43.3 million

Max Scherzer (51204221778) (cropped).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Maxwell Martin Scherzer (born July 27, 1984) is an American baseball pitcher who plays for the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball. He has played for various teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets.

He is known as “Mad Max” for his aggressiveness and has won three Cy Young Awards, pitched two no-hitters, and won World Series championships with the Nationals in 2019 and the Rangers in 2023.

Scherzer owns several records, including 3,000 strikeouts and the highest average yearly value baseball deal. He is one of four pitchers who have won multiple World Series championships, Cy Young Awards, no-hitters, and All-Star selections.

3. Justin Verlander – $43.3 million

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Justin Brooks Verlander, born February 20, 1983, is a highly regarded American baseball pitcher who now plays for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball.

He previously played for the Detroit Tigers and briefly for the New York Mets. Verlander has won multiple trophies throughout his career, including AL Rookie of the Year (2006), two Cy Young trophies, a World Series championship (2017), and MVP in 2011.

He’s a nine-time MLB All-Star with impressive pitching statistics, including three career no-hitters and 3,000 strikeouts. Verlander’s accomplishments extend beyond the field, as he is one of only a few pitchers to have won several World Series, and Cy Young Awards, thrown numerous no-hitters, and been named to multiple All-Star teams. His annual income for 2023 was $43.3 million.

4. Aaron Judge – $40 million

Aaron Judge.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Aaron James Judge (born April 26, 1992) is an American baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He has five All-Star appearances and was named the American League Rookie of the Year unanimously in 2017.

Notably, Judge set an AL record for most home runs in a season with 62 in 2022, earning the AL Most Valuable Player Award. He stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 282 pounds, making him one of MLB’s heaviest players.

Judge was drafted by the Yankees in 2013 and made his MLB debut in 2016, demonstrating his power with record-breaking performances, earning him a nine-year, $360 million contract with an annual income in 2023 of $40 million and the role of team captain.

5. Anthony Rendon – $38.6 million

Anthony Rendon (14430676940).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Anthony Michael Rendon (born June 6, 1990) is a third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. He formerly played for the Washington Nationals and helped them win the 2019 World Series.

Rendon excelled in collegiate baseball at Rice University, where he won the Dick Howser Trophy in 2010. He was drafted sixth overall by the Nationals in 2011 and made his debut in 2013. Rendon is an All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. His annual income in 2023 was $38.6 million.

6. Mike Trout – $37. 1 million

Mike Trout (27) (5971760364).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Nelson Trout (born August 7, 1991) is an American baseball centre fielder for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball. He is an 11-time All-Star, three-time American League MVP (2014, 2016, 2019), and nine-time Silver Slugger award winner.

Trout is largely recognized as one of the greatest players in history, having led in a variety of statistical categories. The Angels picked him in 2009, and he made his debut in 2011, winning the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year award unanimously.

Trout, known for his agility, has frequently led in wins above replacement (WAR). In 2019, he signed a landmark 12-year contract worth $426 million. His 2023 income was $37.1 million.

7. Gerrit Cole – $36. 0 million

Gerrit Cole at 2018 All-Star Game.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Gerrit Alan Cole (born September 8, 1990) is an American baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Houston Astros.

Cole was chosen by the Yankees in 2008 but chose UCLA instead, eventually becoming the Pirates’ first overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft. He was named the National League Rookie of the Month in 2013 and was transferred to the Astros in 2018.

Cole reached 300 strikeouts in 2019 and signed a record-breaking $324 million contract with the Yankees. He earned the 2023 AL Cy Young Award, with excellent stats and a $36 million paycheck.

8. Trevor Bauer – $35.3 million

Trevor Bauer jpg. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Trevor Andrew Bauer (born January 17, 1991) is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is presently a free agent. He has played for various teams, including the Diamondbacks, Indians, Reds, and Dodgers, as well as the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of NPB.

Bauer succeeded at UCLA, earning honours before being selected third overall by the Diamondbacks in 2011. He made his debut in 2012 and was later traded to the Indians.

In 2020, he won his first Cy Young Award with the Reds. After signing with the Dodgers in 2021, he was suspended due to allegations. He was released in 2023 and joined the BayStars, where he demonstrated his abilities and received recognition. Bauer’s 2023 salary was $35.3 million.

9. Stephen Strasburg – $35.0 million

Stephen Strasburg on July 9, 2014.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Stephen James Strasburg, born July 20, 1988, is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals. He was drafted first overall in 2009 and made his professional debut in 2010, garnering three All-Star selections.

He excelled at San Diego State and was dubbed baseball’s most highly touted prospect. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010, Strasburg returned, leading the NL in strikeouts in 2014.

In the 2019 postseason, he tied a record for victories and was named World Series MVP, assisting the Nationals to victory. Strasburg’s 2023 salary was $35.0 million, showing his standing as a top pitcher in the MLB.

10. Nolan Arenado – $35.0 million

2013-08-17 Nolan Arenado.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Nolan James Arenado, an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, was born on April 16, 1991. He is known for his exceptional defence and has won the Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten seasons.

Arenado debuted with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 and will join the Cardinals in 2021. He is from Newport Beach, California, and was drafted by the Rockies in 2009. With eight All-Star appearances, Arenado has won various defensive and offensive trophies, including five Silver Slugger trophies.

He has represented Team USA in international competitions, capturing gold at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In 2023, his total income was $35.0 million.

11.  Carlos Correa – $33.3

Carlos correa baseball.JPG , , via Wikimedia Commons

Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer Jr. (born September 22, 1994) is a Puerto Rican MLB shortstop for the Minnesota Twins. The Houston Astros drafted him first overall in 2012, and he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2015. Correa’s accomplishments include winning the World Series in 2017, being named to many All-Star teams, and receiving defensive awards such as the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove.

After seven seasons with the Astros, he joined the Twins in free agency, opting out of a three-year contract after just one season. Despite failed negotiations with other organizations such as the Giants and Mets, Correa re-signed with the Twins. His 2023 compensation was $33.3 million.

12. Miguel Cabrera – $32.0 million

Miguel Cabrera (2011).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

José Miguel Cabrera Torres, also known as “Miggy,” was a former Venezuelan MLB first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter. Cabrera won multiple awards while playing for the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers between 2003 and 2023, including two AL MVPs, four batting crowns, and 12 All-Star selections.

He won the elusive Triple Crown in 2012, cementing his place as one of the best hitters in MLB history. Cabrera has 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, making him only the seventh player to accomplish both. He retires after the 2023 season and continues his career with the Tigers as a special assistant. His 2023 salary was $32.0 million.

13. Giancarlo Stanton – $32.0 million

Giancarlo Stanton on June 18, 2015.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Giancarlo Cruz-Michael Stanton, formerly known as Mike Stanton, is an American MLB designated hitter and outfielder for the New York Yankees. Making his debut in 2010 with the Florida Marlins, Stanton’s reputation as a power hitter grew rapidly.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 245 pounds, he’s known for his long home runs. In 2017, he led the NL in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage, earning him the NL MVP Award.

A five-time All-Star, Stanton signed a record-breaking $325 million contract with the Marlins in 2014 before being traded to the Yankees in 2017. His 2023 salary was $32.0 million.

14. Corey Seager – $31.1 million

Corey Seager .jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Corey Drew Seager, an American MLB shortstop for the Texas Rangers, was born on April 27, 1994. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and made his debut in 2015, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2016.

In 2020, Seager was an MLB All-Star, as well as the NLCS and World Series MVP, helping the Dodgers win. After seven years, he signed a 10-year contract worth $325 million with the Rangers.

Seager was an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023, winning the 2023 World Series with the Rangers and becoming the second World Series MVP, a rare feat in MLB history. His 2023 compensation was $31.1 million.

15.  Alex Bregman – $30.5 million

Alex Bregman during his at-bat, March 2, 2019 (cropped 2).jpg , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander David Bregman plays third base for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball. Bregman, known for his outstanding high school and college performances, was drafted by the Astros in 2015.

.He made his MLB debut in 2016 and immediately rose to prominence, winning the World Series in 2017 and garnering repeated All-Star selections. Bregman was named MVP of the 2018 All-Star Game and led the American League in doubles and walks in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

In 2022, he won his second World Series and set playoff home run and RBI marks for a third baseman. His 2023 income was $30.5 million.

16. Jacob deGrom – $30.0

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Jacob Anthony deGrom, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers who previously played for the New York Mets, attended Stetson University before entering Major League Baseball. He was drafted in 2010 and made his debut in 2014, receiving the National League Rookie of the Year award.

He was named an MLB All-Star many times and won the NL Cy Young Award in both 2018 and 2019. He won the Cy Young Award twice, both times for leading in strikeouts.

In 2020, he once again led in strikeouts. DeGrom signed a $185 million contract with the Rangers in 2022 and pitched six games in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. His annual income in 2023 was $30.0 million.

17. Jose Altuve – $29.0

Jose Altuve in Houston in January 2015.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

José Carlos Altuve, a Venezuelan second baseman for the Houston Astros, made his debut in 2011 and quickly established himself as a standout player due to his remarkable hitting ability. He is the shortest active Major League Baseball player, but he is a batting champion and Silver Slugger Award winner.

Altuve was named AL MVP in 2017 and won the World Series the same year. Despite the spotlight surrounding the Astros’ sign-stealing controversy, he is widely regarded for his talent and ethics.

With eight All-Star selections, Altuve is one of the top postseason hitters in history. He’s regarded as one of the best Astros and second basemen of his era. His 2023 income was $29.0 million.

18. Kris Bryant – $28.0 million

Kris Bryant 2014.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Kristopher Lee Bryant, also known as “KB,” is an American professional baseball player who currently plays for the Colorado Rockies in the MLB. He has played for both the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants.

Bryant’s collegiate career at the University of San Diego earned him numerous accolades, including the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award. The Cubs drafted him second overall in 2013, and he quickly went to the top of the prospect list, capturing Rookie of the Year and NL MVP awards.

After joining the Giants in 2021, he signed a lucrative seven-year contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2022. Bryant’s 2023 earnings totalled $28.0 million.

19. Bryce Harper – $27.5 million

Bryce Harper (32686597377) (cropped).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Bryce Aron Max Harper is a well-known American MLB player who currently plays for the Philadelphia Phillies after previously playing for the Washington Nationals. Harper, known as a “five-tool player,” left high school early to join the College of Southern Nevada, where he won the Golden Spikes Award in 2010.

He was drafted first overall in 2010 and made his Major League Baseball debut in 2012, winning the NL Rookie of the Year. In 2015, at the age of 22, he became the youngest National League MVP.

Harper signed a record-breaking $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019, and he won his second NL MVP in 2021. He was instrumental in the Phillies’ postseason success, earning NLCS MVP honors. His 2023 earnings were $27.5 million.

20. Trea Turner – $27.3 million

Trea Turner (5314023) (cropped).jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Trea Vance Turner is an American MLB shortstop who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. Turner, who previously played for the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers, was picked by the San Diego Padres in 2014.

He began his major league career as a center fielder but later moved to shortstop. In 2021, he joined the Dodgers before accepting a lucrative 11-year, $300 million contract with the Phillies.

Turner, a two-time All-Star, topped the National League in batting average and stolen bases. He’s won a Silver Slugger Award, hit for the cycle three times, and set an MLB record for most stolen bases without being caught by 2023. His 2023 earnings were $27.3 million.

From Shohei Ohtani’s historic deal to Trea Turner’s record-breaking accomplishments, each player’s narrative exemplifies the devotion and talent that propelled them to the top of their sport. As we unravel the stories behind their contracts, we see baseball’s enduring fascination and the incredible exploits accomplished by its best performers. With each player’s contribution to the landscape of professional baseball, their contracts not only reflect their on-field excellence but also highlight the sport’s changing economic realities.