Major League Baseball is swimming in cash, and the game’s elite dive headfirst into some truly jaw-dropping paychecks. In 2025, we’ve reached the era where $30 million-a-year contracts don’t guarantee a top-10 spot on the list.
From aging superstars still cashing massive checks to young phenoms setting new financial benchmarks, baseball’s top earners are living large. Here’s a look at the 25 highest-paid MLB players, based on their 2025 salaries in present-day value.
25. J.T. Realmuto – $23,100,000
One of the best catchers in the game is still getting paid like it. Realmuto remains a core piece of Philly’s veteran-heavy roster.
24. Matt Olson – $22,000,000
Olson has become one of baseball’s most dependable sluggers, and the Braves aren’t shy about rewarding consistency. He’s a key cog in Atlanta’s long-term plan for domination.
23. Manny Machado – $25,000,000
Machado may not be putting up MVP numbers yearly, but he’s still a franchise cornerstone. San Diego locked him in, and his paycheck reflects that commitment.
22. Freddie Freeman – $26,000,000
Freeman’s swing is still as smooth as his paycheck. The Dodgers know a good thing when they see it and are happy to keep cutting the checks.
21. Blake Snell – $26,825,953
Snell cashed in after a dominant stretch, and the Dodgers hope he stays on that heater. When he’s on, few pitchers are tougher to square up.
20. Kris Bryant – $27,000,000
Bryant’s deal in Colorado raised some eyebrows, and it’s still one of the most debated contracts in the league. The Rockies are paying for the name—and hoping the production comes along.
19. Trea Turner – $27,272,727
Turner’s game remains valuable on all fronts: speed, defense, and the occasional pop. The Phillies opened the vault for him, and he’s still a spark plug when healthy.
18. Cody Bellinger – $27,500,000
From MVP to reclamation project to highly paid outfielder again, Bellinger’s journey has been a roller coaster. The Yankees are banking on his ceiling more than his floor.
17. Yoshinobu Yamamoto – $27,500,000
The Dodgers went all-in on Yamamoto, and early returns have the fanbase buzzing. International hype meets Los Angeles money—a match made in luxury tax heaven.
16. Bryce Harper – $28,000,000
One of the sport’s faces is still getting superstar treatment. Harper is as marketable as he is powerful, and the Phillies are getting both.
15. Corbin Burnes – $30,833,333
Burnes moved west and brought his nasty stuff with him. Arizona’s bet on an ace came with a hefty price tag, but dominance never comes cheap.
14. Nolan Arenado – $32,000,000
Still a vacuum at third base, Arenado is quietly stacking Gold Gloves and big checks. The Cardinals are leaning on his steadiness in a chaotic division.
13. Giancarlo Stanton – $32,000,000
Stanton continues to be one of the most boom-or-bust players in the league. When he connects, the ball leaves Earth—but that salary doesn’t come with an injury refund.
12. Francisco Lindor – $32,477,821
Lindor brings the swag, the glove, and the bat—just maybe not always all at once. The Mets are hoping for more of the complete package this year.
11. Tyler Glasnow – $32,500,000
The Dodgers paid up to land one of the most electric arms in the game. Glasnow’s health will be the swing factor in whether this contract becomes a bargain or a burden.
10. Corey Seager – $32,500,000
Seager’s bat is as smooth as his Texas drawl. He’s become a staple in the Rangers’ lineup and earned every penny with clutch postseason moments.
9. Jose Altuve – $33,000,000
One of the shortest players in the league still has one of the biggest salaries. Altuve’s legacy in Houston is cemented—and so is that bank account.
8. Gerrit Cole – $36,000,000
Cole’s fastball is still humming, and his wallet is still heavy. The Yankees are paying him to be their ace, and he’s lived up to the billing.
7. Mike Trout – $37,116,667
Even with injuries slowing him down, Trout’s greatness still commands top dollar. The Angels are holding onto hope—and a costly contract.
6. Carlos Correa – $37,333,333
Correa’s contract saga ended in Minnesota, and the Twins are paying up. The talent’s there—it’s just a matter of keeping him on the field.
5. Anthony Rendon – $38,571,428
Rendon’s deal remains one of the most head-scratching in the league. The Angels are writing big checks for minimal output, and fans aren’t thrilled.
4. Jacob deGrom – $40,000,000
When healthy, deGrom is the best pitcher on the planet. That’s a big “when,” but the Rangers are still betting on his upside.
3. Aaron Judge – $40,000,000
The face of the Yankees, Judge, is built like a linebacker and gets paid like a CEO. His power and presence make him worth every dollar in the Bronx.
2. Zack Wheeler – $42,000,000
Wheeler has quietly become one of the most reliable arms in baseball. The Phillies ensure he stays in red pinstripes, with a healthy bonus.
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1. Juan Soto – $61,875,000
Soto shattered salary records with his 2025 number. The Mets threw the bag at him, and he might just be worth every cent.
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