Largest Contracts in MLB History
The highest paid baseball contracts are measured by total guaranteed value. Juan Soto signed a 15-year deal with the New York Mets for $765 million, making it the largest contract in MLB history. Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, combining record salaries with deferred payments.
Why These Deals Are So Large
Teams offer massive contracts to secure elite talent in a competitive labor market. Factors include on-field performance, global marketability, and the ability to generate revenue through ticket sales and media rights. Long deals also lock in star players for multiple seasons.
How Contracts Are Structured
Top deals often mix large annual salaries with deferred money paid years after retirement. Guaranteed money protects players, while team options and no-trade clauses add flexibility. For more details on recent deals, see MLB contract structure guidelines at https://www.mlb.com/contracts.
