Highest-Paid MLB Player in 2025: Ohtani Leads in Earnings

By Sarah Miller · January 19, 2036

The highest-paid player in Major League Baseball (MLB) as of 2025 is Shohei Ohtani, earning an average annual salary of $40 million under his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While his on-field salary ranks among the top, his total earnings surpass all other MLB players due to massive off-field income from endorsements.

Shohei Ohtani: The Highest-Paid MLB Player in 2025

Shohei Ohtani stands as the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball, not only because of his historic on-field performance but also due to his unprecedented endorsement portfolio. Signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, Ohtani's deal includes a modest $2 million annual salary, with the remaining $680 million placed into deferred payments with interest. Despite the low base salary, his commercial partnerships with brands like Nike, Adidas, Fanatics, and Glico push his total annual earnings well over $40 million.

Why Ohtani Earns More Than His Contract Suggests

Unlike traditional contracts where salary reflects total value, Ohtani’s deal was structured to maximize long-term financial flexibility for the Dodgers while allowing Ohtani to capitalize on his global marketability. As a result, his off-the-field income dominates his total compensation.

Ohtani earns approximately $35–40 million annually from endorsements alone.
He is one of the few athletes featured in Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list primarily due to non-salary earnings.
His bilingual appeal (Japanese and English) expands his reach across North America and Asia.

Top MLB Players by Annual Salary

While Ohtani leads in total earnings, other players rank higher in terms of official team salary. These figures reflect guaranteed annual average values (AAV) from their contracts as recognized by MLB.

Player	Team	Position	Average Annual Salary (USD)	Contract Length	Start Year
Mike Trout	Los Angeles Angels	Outfielder	$37,116,667	12 years	2019
Mookie Betts	Los Angeles Dodgers	Outfielder	$36,666,667	12 years	2020
Fernando Tatis Jr.	San Diego Padres	Shortstop	$34,000,000	14 years	2021
Bryce Harper	Philadelphia Phillies	Outfielder	$26,500,000	13 years	2019
Max Scherzer	Retired (last: Mets)	Starting Pitcher	$37,666,667*	3 years	2022

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that while Mike Trout currently holds the highest official average annual salary at over $37.1 million, Shohei Ohtani surpasses him in total earnings when endorsements are included. Max Scherzer’s final contract averaged nearly $37.7 million per year, making it the highest single-season average in MLB history, though shorter in duration. Long-term deals for Betts and Tatis Jr. reflect teams locking in elite young talent.

Key Factors Behind MLB Player Earnings

Understanding who earns the most in MLB requires looking beyond just the paycheck from the team. Several elements influence a player’s total income:

On-Field Compensation

This includes base salary, signing bonuses, and performance incentives. Long-term contracts with high AAVs are typically awarded to MVP-caliber players or those with proven durability and elite stats.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Global stars like Ohtani command premium deals from major brands. Marketability, social media presence, international appeal, and media visibility significantly boost endorsement value.

Performance Bonuses and Awards

Players may earn additional income through MVP awards, All-Star selections, or postseason success, especially if stipulated in their contracts.

Off-Field Ventures

Some players generate revenue through investments, media appearances, or ownership stakes in businesses, further increasing their net worth beyond baseball salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest-Paid MLB Players

Who is the highest-paid MLB player in 2025?

Shohei Ohtani is the highest-paid MLB player in 2025 when considering total earnings, including endorsements. Although his official salary with the Los Angeles Dodgers is only $2 million per year, his endorsement income exceeds $35 million annually, making his total compensation the highest in the league.

Does Shohei Ohtani have the largest contract in MLB history?

Yes, Shohei Ohtani signed the largest contract in North American sports history—a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. However, $680 million is deferred with interest, meaning he will receive most of the money after retirement. This structure keeps his current salary low while securing future wealth.

Who has the highest salary in MLB in 2025?

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels has the highest average annual salary in MLB at $37,116,667. His 12-year, $426.5 million contract, signed in 2019, remains the benchmark for position player compensation based on yearly cash flow.

How do endorsements affect MLB player earnings?

Endorsements can dramatically increase a player’s total income. For example, Shohei Ohtani earns more from brand deals than from his team salary. Star power, international fame, and media exposure are key drivers. Top endorsers include Nike, Apple, and Toyota, which seek association with clean-cut, high-performing athletes.

Are pitchers among the highest-paid players in MLB?

Yes, top pitchers like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander have commanded some of the highest average annual salaries in MLB history. Scherzer’s last contract averaged $37.7 million per year. However, due to injury risks, long-term deals for pitchers are rarer, making their peak earnings impressive but often shorter in duration.