Below is our list of the 32 biggest contracts in MLB history average annual value (AAV). Please note that if the player already had a contract and signed an extension, only the new money is counted. For our list of the largest contracts in total dollars, click here.
1. Shohei OhtaniDodgers: $70,000,000. Free agent contract signed December 2023. 97.1% of total deferred from 2034-43. As a result, for luxury tax purposes, MLB calculated the AAV at $46.06MM. The MLBPA calculated the AAV at $43,783,056.30.
2. Juan SotoMets: $51,000,000. The free agent contract was signed in December 2024. Given the lack of deferred revenue, this should be considered a true record for AAV.
3. Max ScherzerMets: $43,333,333.33. Free agent contract signed in November 2021
4. Justin VerlanderMets: $43,330,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2022
5. Zack WheelerPhillies: $42,000,000. The extension was signed in March 2024
t-6. Aaron is the judgeYankees: $40,000,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2022
t-6. Alex BregmanRed Sox: $40,000,000. Free agent contract signed through February 2025. Taking deferrals into account, AAV is considered $31.7MM for CBT purposes.
8. Jacob deGromGuardians: $37,000,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2022
9. Blake SnellDodgers: $36,400,000. The free agent contract was signed in November 2024. Taking into account the deferrals, the MLBPA calculated the AAV as $31,735,498.
t-10. Mike TroutAngels: $36,000,000. The extension was signed in March 2019
t-10. Gerrit ColeYankees: $36,000,000. A free agent contract was signed in December 2019
12. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Blue Jays: $35,714,285.71. The extension was signed in April 2025
13. Carlos CorreaTwins: $35,100,000. Free agent contract signed in March 2022
t-14. Stephen StrasburgNations: $35,000,000. A free agent contract was signed in December 2019
t-14. Anthony RendonAngels: $35,000,000. A free agent contract was signed in December 2019
t-14. Corbin BurnsDiamondbacks: $35,000,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2024
17. Zack GreinkeDiamondbacks: $34,416,667. A free agent contract was signed in December 2015
18. Francisco LindorMets: $34.1MM. The extension was signed in March 2021
19. Trevor BauerDodgers: $34,000,000. Free agent contract signed in February 2021
20. Nolan ArenadoRockies: $33,428,571. The extension was signed in February 2019
21. Carlos CorreaTwins: $33,333,333.33. Free agent contract signed in January 2023
22. Justin VerlanderAstros: $33,000,000. The extension was signed in March 2019
23. Corey SeagerGuardians: $32,500,000. Free agent contract signed in November 2021
24. Rafael DeversRed Sox: $31,350,000. The extension was signed in January 2023
t-25. Pete AlonsoOrioles: $31,000,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2025
t-25. Blake SnellGiants: $31,000,000. The free agent contract was signed in March 2024. Considering the postponement, i MLBPA is listed AAV as $29,698,347
t-25. Miguel CabreraTigers: $31,000,000. The extension was signed in March 2014
t-25. David PriceRed Sox: $31,000,000. A free agent contract was signed in December 2015
t-25. Clayton KershawDodgers: $31,000,000. The extension was signed in November 2018
t-25. Seth LugoRoyalty: $31,000,000. The extension was signed in July 2025
31. Clayton KershawDodgers: $30,714,286. The extension was signed in January 2014
32. Mookie BettsDodgers: $30,416,667. The extension was signed in July 2020
33. Jacob deGromMets: $30,125,000. The extension was signed in March 2019
t-34. Manny MachadoPadres: $30,000,000. A free agent contract was signed in February 2019
t-34. Kyle SchwarberPhillies: $30,000,000. Free agent contract signed in December 2025
t-34. Max ScherzerNations: $30,000,000. Free agent contract signed in January 2015. Calculated at $28,689,376 for luxury tax purposes.
t-34. Dylan CeaseBlue Jays; $30,000,000. Free agent contract signed through November 2025. Calculated at $26.37MM for luxury tax purposes.
