Below is our list of the 20 largest contracts in MLB history by average annual value (AAV). Please note that if a player was already under contract and signed an extension, only the new money counts. For our list of the 20 largest contracts in total dollars, click here.
1. Max Scherzer, Mets: $43,333,333.33. Free agent contract signed November 2021
t-2. Mike Trout, Angels: $36,000,000. Extension signed March 2019
t-2. Gerrit Cole, Yankees: $36,000,000. Free agent contract signed December 2019
4. Carlos Correa, Twins: $35,100,000. Free agent contract signed March 2022
t-5. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: $35,000,000. Free agent contract signed December 2019
t-5. Anthony Rendon, Angels: $35,000,000. Free agent contract signed December 2019
7. Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks: $34,416,667. Free agent contract signed December 2015
8. Francisco Lindor, Mets: $34.1MM. Extension signed March 2021
9. Trevor Bauer, Dodgers: $34,000,000. Free agent contract signed February 2021
10. Nolan Arenado, Rockies: $33,428,571. Extension signed February 2019
11. Justin Verlander, Astros: $33,000,000. Extension signed March 2019
12. Corey Seager, Rangers: $32,500,000. Free agent contract signed November 2021
t-13. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: $31,000,000. Extension signed March 2014
t-13. David Price, Red Sox: $31,000,000. Free agent contract signed December 2015
t-13. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: $31,000,000. Extension signed November 2018
16. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: $30,714,286. Extension signed January 2014
17. Mookie Betts, Dodgers: $30,416,667. Extension signed July 2020
18. Jose Altuve, Astros: $30,200,000. Extension signed March 2018
19. Jacob deGrom, Mets: $30,125,000. Extension signed March 2019
t-20. Manny Machado, Padres: $30,000,000. Free agent contract signed February 2019
t-20. Max Scherzer, Nationals: $30,000,000. Free agent contract signed January 2015