David from Washington, DC on Wikimedia
When you think of expensive contracts, your mind may not wander to baseball—but it should! When an owner hands out a deal that looks like a small nation’s budget, you’re not just buying home runs or strikeouts—you’re buying hope, headlines, and a loyal fanbase that spends thousands on merchandise. If you’ve ever wondered how far teams will go to lock down a star, these five mega-deals will give you a pretty clear answer.
Juan Soto: 15 years, $765 million (Mets)
Soto’s pact with the Mets reset the sport’s price tag in dramatic fashion, stretching 15 seasons and landing at a jaw-dropping $765 million. It’s the kind of number that makes you blink twice. Say what you want about other superstars, but this contract separates itself by a wide margin.
Shohei Ohtani: 10 years, $700 million (Dodgers)
Okay, well, you knew this guy was making the list! Ohtani’s $700 million agreement already felt unreal, and then the details made it even more fascinating: the contract famously includes massive deferrals that reshape how the money is paid over time. You still get the headline figure, though, and it’s the sort of deal that makes every at-bat feel like a premium event.
Mike Trout: 12 years, $426.5 million (Angels)
Trout’s extension with the Angels reached $426.5 million, and it did so in a way that screamed “franchise cornerstone.” While some contracts chase novelty, this one was about stability—an all-world player staying put and the entire club basing its identity around him.
Mookie Betts: 12 years, $365 million (Dodgers)
Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA on Wikimedia
Betts’ long-term deal with the Dodgers came in at $365 million, pairing superstar production with a decade-long commitment. If you like your roster planning with a side of confidence, this is the blueprint.
Aaron Judge: 9 years, $360 million (Yankees)
Judge’s $360 million contract with the Yankees kept the Bronx’s loudest bat right where fans expect it to be. The price fits the stage, and if you’ve ever heard Yankee Stadium erupt after one swing, you already know why this kind of investment happens.
