Largest MLB Contracts Signed Before Ohtani's Historic Deal

When Shohei Ohtani’s 10‑year, $365 million extension made headlines, it instantly became a benchmark for future deals. Yet, it didn’t appear out of thin air—MLB had already seen a string of eye‑popping contracts that reshaped how teams value star power. In this roundup we’ll revisit the top MLB contracts before Ohtani’s historic deal, highlighting the players, the numbers, and the market forces that made each agreement possible.

Top MLB Contracts Before Ohtani's Historic Deal

From the early 2000s to the spring of 2023, a handful of players commanded salaries that broke the league’s previous ceilings. Below, each contract is broken down by length, total value, and the context that justified the payday.

Alex Rodriguez – $252 million (10‑year)

Signed in December 2007, Rodriguez’s deal with the New York Yankees was the first MLB contract to eclipse the $200 million mark. The former shortstop turned third‑baseman was fresh off a 54‑home‑run season and a World Series title, and the Yankees were willing to pay a premium for his blend of power and veteran poise. At the time, the contract set a new standard for “franchise player” valuations.

Albert Pujols – $260 million (8‑year)

In February 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals locked up their longtime slugger with an eight‑year extension worth $260 million. Pujols was entering his 14th season, already a two‑time MVP and a perennial All‑Star. The deal reflected both his offensive production and the Cardinals’ desire to keep a fan‑favorite in St. Louis for the long haul.

Mike Trout – $426 million (12‑year)

When the Los Angeles Angels announced Trout’s contract in March 2019, it blew past every previous figure. A 12‑year, $426 million pact made him the highest‑paid player in baseball history at the time. Trout, a three‑time MVP, was still in his prime, and the Angels were betting that his rare combination of speed, power, and defense would anchor the franchise for over a decade.

Giancarlo Stanton – $325 million (8‑year)

The New York Yankees secured Stanton in December 2014 with an eight‑year, $325 million agreement. Coming off a 53‑home‑run season, Stanton was viewed as the missing piece in a Yankees lineup that already featured Aaron Judge and A‑Rod. The contract underscored the market’s willingness to pay top‑tier power hitters premium rates.

Bradley Keller (Bryce Harper) – $330 million (13‑year)

Harper’s 13‑year extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, signed in March 2021, was valued at $330 million. The former MVP was coming off a season that saw him hit 35 homers and drive in 111 runs. By locking Harper in for the long term, the Phillies hoped to build a franchise around his marketability and elite offensive skill set.

Mookie Betts – $365 million (12‑year)

Betts’ free‑agency move to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2020 included a 12‑year, $365 million contract. A former MVP and multiple Gold Glove winner, Betts was prized not only for his bat but also for his defensive versatility. The Dodgers’ willingness to match Ohtani’s eventual total signaled a shift toward longer, higher‑value deals for well‑rounded stars.

Jacob de Grom – $365 million (8‑year)

In March 2022, the New York Mets signed de Grom to an eight‑year, $365 million extension. At the time, de Grom was the league’s most dominant pitcher, boasting a sub‑2.00 ERA and a reputation for near‑perfect command. The deal highlighted how elite pitching, once undervalued compared to power hitting, was finally receiving comparable financial recognition.

Nolan Arenado – $260 million (8‑year)

Arenado’s contract with the Colorado Rockies, sealed in March 2021, was an eight‑year, $260 million pact. The third‑base marvel, known for his defensive brilliance and consistent offensive output, represented the Rockies’ attempt to retain a player who had become the face of the franchise.

Fernando Tatis Jr. – $340 million (10‑year)

Although signed after Ohtani’s deal, Tatis Jr.’s 10‑year, $340 million extension with the San Diego Padres in March 2022 is worth mentioning as a near‑peer. The shortstop’s blend of power and speed made him a rare commodity, and the Padres were prepared to invest heavily to keep him in San Diego.

Each of these contracts not only reflected the individual’s on‑field value but also the evolving economics of baseball—media rights growth, luxury‑tax strategies, and the increasing importance of player branding all played a role in inflating salaries.

Why These Deals Matter

Understanding the trajectory of MLB salaries helps explain why Ohtani’s agreement felt both shocking and inevitable. The contracts above set precedents in three key areas:

• Length over cash: Teams began favoring long‑term deals to spread out payments and manage luxury‑tax penalties.
• Positional premium: Historically, outfielders and power hitters commanded the biggest numbers, but elite pitchers like de Grom proved the market was expanding.
• Brand value: Players with global appeal—Rodriguez, Ohtani, and Betts—receive contracts that factor in merchandising and international viewership.

FAQ

What made Ohtani’s contract historic compared to earlier deals?

Ohtani’s 10‑year, $365 million extension matched the highest total value ever signed (Betts, de Grom) but combined it with a relatively shorter term and a player who excels both as a pitcher and hitter, something no previous contract had to account for.

Are MLB contracts always fully guaranteed?

Unlike the NFL, most MLB contracts are fully guaranteed, meaning players receive the full amount even if performance declines or injuries occur. This guarantee adds to the financial risk for clubs, prompting careful long‑term planning.

How do luxury‑tax thresholds influence these massive contracts?

Teams that exceed the luxury‑tax threshold must pay a penalty that escalates each year they remain over. Consequently, franchises often front‑load or extend contracts to smooth payrolls and avoid steep penalties.

Will any current players likely break Ohtani’s record soon?

Given the upward trend in media revenue and the growing global market for baseball, it’s plausible that a future free‑agent—especially a two‑way star—could eclipse the $365 million total, though such a deal would still need to align with team budgets and luxury‑tax considerations.