7. Gerrit Cole: US$36.5 million

According to Forbes, Cole scored the largest contract by total value ever for a pitcher when he signed a nine-year, US$324 million deal back in 2019 for the New York Yankees. He can reportedly opt out of the contract after the 2024 season, giving him the chance to earn even more.

According to sports news website Sportico, his endorsements for 2023 are estimated to be around US$1.5 million, with the athlete raking it in from partners including Nike, Rawlings and Fanatics.

6. Anthony Rendon: US$38.2 million

Rendon had just four seasons left on his seven-year, US$245 million deal he signed with the Los Angeles Angels before the start of the 2020 season. His endorsements for 2023 alone are estimated to be around US$250,000 with the athlete forming deals with the likes of Nike, Rawlings and New Balance, reports Investor Times.

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5. Mike Trout: US$39.5 million

The Los Angeles Angels player’s run has been interrupted over the last two years because of injuries, but according to Sportico, he ranks first among active players in both on-base and slugging percentage. His 12-year contract with the Angels in 2019 saw him strike a deal worth US$426.5 million, reports Forbes.

His big money sponsors include Nike, Rawling and Old Hickory. Per Forbes, in 2014, he was the first Nike baseball player since Ken Griffey Jr to get his own signature shoe.

4. Aaron Judge: US$44.5 million

The New York Yankees player signed a record-breaking deal in 2022, which saw him agree to a nine-year contract with the pinstripes for US$360 million, per CNBC. His endorsement deals also line his pocket, with Sportico reporting that he made an estimated US$4 million in partnership deals alone.

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3. Justin Verlander: US$44.3 million

The veteran player won the 2022 American League Cy Young Award with the Houston Astros. Per Bleacher Report, he joined the Mets on a two-year deal but was later traded back to the Astros after the team dropped out of contention in the National League East.

2. Max Scherzer: US$59.3 million

The pitcher was part of the Washington Nationals team, which won the World Series in 2019. Per Forbes, in late 2023, the New York Mets player scored US$15 million in deferred funds from the Nationals and US$75 million in deferred payments expected to come through in 2028.

His off-field earnings have also earned him big money, with Sportico estimating that he took home US$2 million from his deals with Nike, Topps and Fanatics.

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1. Shohei Ohtani: US$65 million

The Japanese baseball pitcher destroyed MLB records after he signed a 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth a whopping US$700 million in December 2023. The athlete has made waves in Major League Baseball since he began in the 2018 season. His stand-out moments include American League MVP, All-Star hitter and pitcher and a World Baseball Class MVP.

Ohtani is not only a star attraction on the field, off the field, his estimated earnings are up to US$40 million. Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, told USA Today that the historic deal was not about money for his client, but for getting the best out of a player to benefit a team. “He (Ohtani) said: ‘How can I contribute to a team and allow them to stay competitive?’” Balelo explained.

Ohtani has become a cultural icon in Japan and his commercial impact is expected to drive millions of dollars into the Japanese economy, reports Forbes. His endorsement deals with the likes of New Balance, Kowa and Kose add to his fortune, with big brands clamouring to form partnerships with him.