Top Paid MLB Players For The Upcoming Season: Insights And Analysis

The MLB season is just a few weeks away, and teams are already preparing for Spring Training. The excitement in the air is palpable as players gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating year. While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to present challenges, such as postponed games and teams not operating at full strength, most rosters are already set for the season's start.

Despite the shortened free agency period, significant deals have been made during the offseason. Notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers have secured Trevor Bauer with a nine-figure deal, making him the highest-paid player for the 2021 season. However, Bauer isn't the only player set to earn substantial salaries this year; several other top athletes have also signed lucrative contracts.

Let's take a closer look at the ten highest-paid players in Major League Baseball. These players not only command high salaries but often have remarkable overall contracts, although the figures mentioned here focus solely on their earnings for the upcoming season.

Trevor Bauer, Los Angeles Dodgers — $40 Million

Trevor Bauer had a standout performance in the shortened 2020 season, which consisted of only 60 games. He pitched 73 innings, striking out an impressive 100 batters while allowing just 17 walks, leading to an exceptional 1.73 ERA. His efforts earned him the National League Cy Young Award, and he played a crucial role in leading the Cincinnati Reds to the playoffs. With a three-year, $102 million deal with the Dodgers, Bauer has joined an already formidable rotation.

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels — $37.1 Million

Mike Trout has consistently proven his worth since signing the largest extension in baseball history before the 2019 season—a staggering 12-year, $426.5 million contract. He has established himself as one of the premier players in MLB, winning the American League MVP Award in 2019 and finishing in the top five in MVP voting for all nine of his seasons. Trout's remarkable performance guarantees his status as a dominant force in baseball for years to come.

Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees — $36 Million

Gerrit Cole, despite Bauer's high salary this season, holds the distinction of having the largest contract for any pitcher in MLB, thanks to his nine-year, $324 million deal with the New York Yankees. Cole's impressive track record includes a remarkable 2019 season where he went 20-5 with 326 strikeouts. Although he didn't win a championship with the Houston Astros, his skills and performance secured him a lucrative contract.

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets — $36 Million

Jacob deGrom is another key player in this elite list, reflecting the financial capabilities of teams in major markets like New York and California. His total contract amounts to $137.5 million over five seasons, and he has previously won the NL Cy Young Award in both 2018 and 2019. Despite battling injuries, deGrom continues to demonstrate his value on the mound, leading the league in strikeouts last year.

Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals — $35 Million

After signing an impressive eight-year, $260 million deal with the Colorado Rockies in 2019, Nolan Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rockies are reportedly covering a significant portion of Arenado's salary, including all of it for the current season. With a history of Gold Glove awards and All-Star appearances, Arenado is expected to bring his talents to the Cardinals in hopes of winning a World Series title.

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals — $35 Million

Stephen Strasburg's stellar performance in the 2019 season, which included a 5-0 record and a World Series MVP title, led to his seven-year, $245 million contract. Unfortunately, injuries limited his appearances last season, but the Nationals are optimistic about his return to form. Strasburg's ability to perform at a high level when healthy makes him a crucial asset for the team.

Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals — $34.5 Million

Max Scherzer, another prominent pitcher for the Nationals, is entering the final year of his contract that will have paid him a total of $210 million by the season's end. Scherzer's impressive career includes three Cy Young Awards and a World Series title. His performance continues to be exemplary, making him one of the biggest bargains on this list considering his accomplishments in the league.

Manny Machado, San Diego Padres — $34 Million

Manny Machado made headlines in 2019 when he became the first player to sign a $300 million deal. Although he has since been surpassed, he remains a key player with an impressive performance in 2020. His strategic contract structure allows him to earn an additional $2 million each year, contributing to the Padres' success.

Justin Verlander, Houston Astros — $33 Million

Justin Verlander's contract serves as a reminder that not every deal works out as planned. He underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2020 after making only one start, leading to limited production from his two-year, $66 million deal. Nonetheless, Verlander has had a successful career with the Astros, including All-Star selections and a Cy Young award.

Zack Greinke, Houston Astros — $32.9 Million

Like Verlander, Zack Greinke will be a free agent after this season. However, unlike Verlander, Greinke is set to play the entire season. After signing a six-year, $206.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he became an essential part of the Astros' pitching rotation, demonstrating strong performance during the 2020 season.

As the MLB season approaches, it is clear that these top players are not only vital to their teams but also command significant salaries that reflect their contributions to the game. Their performances will be closely watched as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.