MLB’s ten highest-paid players projected to earn $537 million in 2026, down 7% from 2025

Shohei Ohtani is set to collect an estimated $127 million in 2026 before taxes and agents’ fees, leading MLB’s ten highest-paid players who together are projected to earn $537 million, Forbes reported. Ohtani’s on-field salary from the Los Angeles Dodgers is $2 million, with the remaining $125 million coming from endorsement deals, licensing, memorabilia and other business ventures.

The 31-year-old designated hitter and pitcher signed a ten-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season that defers $68 million in salary for another decade.

Cody Bellinger ranks second with an estimated $56.5 million, including $55 million on-field from the New York Yankees. Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees in January on a five-year, $162.5 million contract that included a $20 million signing bonus. The 30-year-old outfielder is expected to earn $1.5 million off the field.

Kyle Tucker is third at an estimated $56 million. Tucker’s off-field earnings are projected at $1 million.

Juan Soto follows at an estimated $51.9 million. The 27-year-old outfielder for the New York Mets signed a $765 million contract in December 2024. Soto’s on-field earnings are $46.

Aaron Judge is projected to earn $46.1 million, with $40.1 million on-field and $6 million off-field. The 33-year-old right fielder plays for the New York Yankees. Bo Bichette ranks sixth at an estimated $42.4 million.

Bichette’s off-field earnings are $0.4 million. Zack Wheeler is seventh at an estimated $42.2 million, all but $0.2 million from on-field pay with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mike Trout is eighth at $39 million, Jacob deGrom ninth at $38.3 million and Gerrit Cole tenth at $37.5 million. The 2026 top-ten total represents a 7% drop from 2025’s $576 million. Off-field earnings for the group total $144 million, up 20% from 2025.