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17 Baseball Stars Who Let Their Agents Do the Heavy Lifting

Baseball players might spend most of their time perfecting their swing or fine-tuning their slider, but when it comes time to talk dollars, they wisely step aside and let the professionals do the talking. From record-breaking deals to savvy contract extensions, these stars had agents who earned their commissions.

Whether it was about maximizing value or securing an unimaginable perk, these players trusted their handler with the most important matters. And based on the results, they made the right call.

17. Eric Hosmer

Jul 23, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (30) hits a single against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Citi Field.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Hosmer turned one good postseason run into a massive contract with San Diego. His agent knew precisely when to strike while the iron (and glove) was hot.

16. Jason Heyward

May 6, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jason Heyward (22) makes a diving catch in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Heyward didn’t put up monster numbers, but he still landed one of the richest contracts of his era. That’s the kind of negotiating that deserves a trophy of its own.

15. Jacoby Ellsbury

Feb 23, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) stretches at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Injuries may have limited his time on the field, but his contract with the Yankees never missed a payment. His agent pulled off a heist that’s still being whispered about in front offices.

14. Stephen Strasburg

Jun 9, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) catches a baseball during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When he opted out of a previous deal, some thought it was a risky move—then he signed an even bigger one. His agent had the Nationals right where they wanted them.

13. Albert Pujols

Apr 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (5) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

That ten-year deal with the Angels was massive, even if the back half didn’t exactly sparkle. Still, his agent secured generational wealth and then some.

12. Bobby Bonilla

1997, Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Florida Marlins third baseman Bobby Bonilla in action at the plate at Dolphin Stadium during the 1997 season.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

The ultimate example of long-term planning, Bonilla hasn’t played since 2001 but still receives a paycheck every July 1. His agent didn’t just negotiate a contract—he created a national holiday.

11. Prince Fielder

Jul 10, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder (84) on deck in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Fielder’s career was cut short by injury, but his contract ensured he never had to worry. Credit goes to his agent for securing the nine-year deal with Texas.

10. Giancarlo Stanton

Apr 10, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

A 13-year contract worth over $300 million is not the kind of deal that comes along by accident. His agent secured a mountain of money and complete no-trade protection.

9. Robinson Canó

Sep 29, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) turns a double play against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Safeco Field.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Jumping from the Yankees to the Mariners shocked everyone, but the money didn’t. His agent got him one of the biggest paydays in second-base history.

8. Joe Mauer

Apr 12, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) two RBI single in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The hometown hero stayed in Minnesota, but not at a discount. His extension at the time made him the highest-paid catcher ever.

7. Manny Machado

Jun 24, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) comes off the field during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.
David Frerker-Imagn Images

Machado received his $300 million and later opted into a new $350 million extension. That’s how you keep winning at the negotiation table.

6. Joey Votto

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) singles to left field in the third inning of the MLB Cactus League Spring training game between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. Cincinnati Reds At Cleveland Spring Training
Sam Greene via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Votto signed a massive extension with the Reds that paid him well into his late 30s. His agent understood the value of loyalty and how to capitalize on it.

5. Max Scherzer

Jul 28, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Scherzer’s original Nationals deal had deferred money that still earns him interest, and then he followed it up with a short-term mega-deal from the Mets. His agent gave a masterclass in financial flexibility.

4. Corey Seager

Jun 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) fields a ground ball hit by Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Seager cashed in with Texas to the tune of $325 million. His agent knew that shortstop money was booming and got in at the perfect time.

Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Are Always “A Quarterback Away”

3. Alex Rodriguez

Mar 2001; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez in action during the 2001 spring training season.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

No one knew how to land a mega-deal like A-Rod and his agent. He didn’t just get one record-breaking contract—he got two.

Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Are Always “A Quarterback Away”

2. Shohei Ohtani

Jun 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) runs off a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

That $700 million contract might be deferred, but it remains the largest in sports history to date. His agent balanced marketing, endorsements, and flexibility like a pro.

Read More: 15 NFL Quarterbacks Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure

1. Scott Boras’s Entire Client List

Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Agent Scott Boras watches batting practice before game one of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

From Bryce Harper to Gerrit Cole, Boras has a reputation for squeezing every possible dollar out of every team. If there’s one guy who can do the heavy lifting, it’s the man behind half of baseball’s richest contracts.

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