MLB's 10 Highest-Paid Players Projected to Earn $537 Million in 2026, Down 7 Percent From 2025

The 10 highest-paid MLB players are projected to earn a combined $537 million in 2026, according to @Forbes. The total marks a 7 percent decline from 2025 but includes a record $144 million in off-field income, up 20 percent from the prior year. Shohei Ohtani tops the list with an estimated $127 million.

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher will receive $2 million in salary and $125 million from endorsements, licensing and memorabilia. Ohtani, 31, signed a 10-year, $700 million contract ahead of the 2024 season that defers $68 million. Cody Bellinger ranks second at $56.5 million.

The New York Yankees outfielder, 30, will earn $55 million on the field and $1.5 million off it after re-signing in January on a five-year, $162.5 million deal. Kyle Tucker follows at $56 million, with $55 million in salary and a $54 million signing bonus from his four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers. Juan Soto is projected at $51.9 million with the New York Mets.

Aaron Judge will make $46.1 million with the Yankees. Bo Bichette, now with the Mets, is set for $42.4 million. Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies ranks seventh at $42.2 million. Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels follows at $39 million, Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers at $38.3 million and Gerrit Cole of the Yankees at $37.5 million.

Ohtani's off-field total exceeds the combined $19 million off-field earnings of the other nine players. The New York Yankees franchise is valued at $8.5 billion. Tarik Skubal received a record $32 million arbitration award from the Detroit Tigers, surpassing the prior high of $19.9 million.

The league's collective bargaining agreement expires in December.