MLB

Here are the highest-paid MLB players entering 2024

Zach Wheeler's extension with the Phillies sees him climb the list.

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How much does it cost to land a generational baseball talent still in his prime? Let's ask the Los Angeles Dodgers' accountants, a group that will surely have its hands full for years to come.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani announced he decided to join the Dodgers after a lengthy process, simply crossing towns instead of borders, which would've been the case had he picked the Toronto Blue Jays.

Of course, in doing so the Dodgers had to pay quite the pretty penny to afford Ohtani. Ohtani's reported contract is a stunning 10-year, $700 million deal that will see the star make $70 million a year. It's an unprecedented figure, but elites don't come cheap.

Following Ohtani's blockbuster contract, let's look at the highest-paid MLB players entering the 2024 season, with more shuffling likely to occur:

Who are the highest-paid MLB players?

Ohtani's reported deal will see him comfortably claiming the throne.

The next highest players signed deals prior to the 2023 season with an average annual value (AAV) of over $40 million. The order could change depending on the dominoes that fall after Ohtani's decision.

Here’s a full look at the highest-paid MLB players making at least $25 million in 2024 based on AAV, according to Spotrac:

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: $70 million

T-2. Max Scherzer, Texas Rangers: $43,333,333

T-2. Justin Verlander, Houston Astros: $43,333,333

4. Zach Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies: $42 million

5. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: $40 million

6. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers: $37 million

7. Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees: $36 million

8. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: $35,541,667

T-9. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals: $35 million

T-9. Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels: $35 million

11. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: $34.1 million

12. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins: $33.3 million

T-13. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers: $32.5 million

T-13. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals: $32.5 million

15. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres: $31,818,182

16. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox: $31,350,000

17. Juan Soto, New York Yankees: $31 million

18. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: $30,416,667

19. Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles Dodgers: $27,312,500

20. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies: $27,272,727

21. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers: $27,083,333

T-22. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers: $27 million

T-22. Carlos Rodon, New York Yankees: $27 million

24. Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers: $26,928,571

25. Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs: $26,666,667

26. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: $26,252,525

T-27. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals: $26 million

T-27. Kris Bryant, Colorado Rockies: $26 million

29. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres: $25,454,545

30. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: $25,384,615

31. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs: $25,285,714

T-32. Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees: $25 million

T-32. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers: $25 million

T-32. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays: $25 million

T-32. Sonny Gray, St. Louis Cardinals: $25 million

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