Highest-Paid Players in MLB After Christian Yelich Contract
The Milwaukee Brewers shocked the MLB world by giving Christian Yelich an extension worth over $200 million.
That is a major extension for a small-market team like the Brewers, but it pales in comparison to other deals handed out in recent history. When it comes to the highest average annual contract values, a few teams dominate the conversation.
What we know about Christian Yelich's new contract ?
— IKE Brewers (@IKE_Brewers) March 3, 2020
• 2020 thru 2028
• Mutual option for 2029
• Total value around $215 million
Yelich has averaged a .327 BA, 40 HRs, 104 RBI, 1.046 OPS and a top 2 MVP finish in his first 2 years with the Brewers #HereToStay #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/gJEnBQ93U5
Highest-Paid Players in MLB by AAV
Gerrit Cole, NYY: 9 years, $324 million, $36 million AAV
Mike Trout, LAA: 12 years, $426.5 million, $35.5 million AAV
Stephen Strasburg, WSH: 7 years, $245 million, $35 million AAV
Anthony Rendon, LAA: 7 years, $245 million, $35 million AAV
Zack Greinke, HOU: 6 years, $206.5 million, $34.4 million AAV
Justin Verlander, HOU: 2 years, $66 million, $33 million AAV
Nolan Arenado, COL: 8 years, $260 million, $32.5 million AAV
Miguel Cabrera, DET: 8 years, $248 million, $31 million AAV
David Price, LAD: 7 years, $217 million, $31 million AAV
Clayton Kershaw, LAD: 3 years, $93 million, $31 million AAV
Trout has the highest money value of any contract with his 12-year, deal. He is followed by Bryce Harper and Giancarlo Stanton in terms of total money, but both players have average annual values of $25 million, thus missing this list.
Mike Trout’s contract is double the amount Yelich’s is. I almost can’t believe that https://t.co/AkWjtl1osY
— Timmy Albers (@timmy_albers) March 3, 2020
Players like Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor will likely be on the above list in the next few years. There is no sign of MLB contracts going down in value for the game's top stars. It will just be up to the top markets to keep pushing the values higher and higher.