In 2024, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto led MLB’s highest-paid players, earning $67 million and $60 million, respectively. Endorsements heavily boosted Ohtani’s earnings.
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- Shohei Ohtani tops the list with $67 million in earnings despite a $2 million salary.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins the Dodgers with a $60 million income, including a record $50 million signing bonus.
- Endorsements play a huge role in Ohtani’s earnings, with $65 million off-field, surpassing many global sports stars.
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Top MLB Earners of 2024
Here are the biggest earners of MLB this season:
Shohei Ohtani: Highest-Paid Player in Baseball
Shohei Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a top earner in Major League Baseball.
Despite having only a $2 million salary from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2024 season, Ohtani’s total earnings reach $67 million.
This is largely due to his $65 million in endorsement deals, which make him a unique figure in baseball and global sports.
His endorsement portfolio includes major brands like New Balance, which recently launched a new logo featuring Ohtani.
Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers is worth $700 million over ten years. However, 97% of this amount is deferred, meaning the annual value varies depending on how you calculate it.
For example, the luxury tax calculation uses $46.1 million annually, while Ohtani’s 2024 payout is only $2 million. The deferred money ensures he will receive $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: New Star in the MLB
Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the Dodgers with a 12-year, $325 million contract, making him the second-highest-paid player in 2024 with $60 million.
His income includes a $50 million signing bonus, the highest ever for an overseas player. The Dodgers also paid a $50.6 million posting fee to his former team in Japan, the Orix Buffaloes.
Yamamoto’s 2024 base salary is $5 million, with an additional $5 million from endorsements, including a significant deal with Nike.
He also has partnerships with Fanatics and several Japanese brands. His on-field performance has been stellar, earning him the Pacific League MVP for the past three seasons.
15 Highest-Paid MLB Players in 2024
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers): $67 million (Salary: $2 million | Endorsements: $65 million)
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers): $60 million (Salary: $55 million | Endorsements: $5 million)
- Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers): $54 million (Salary: $52 million | Endorsements: $2 million)
- Aaron Judge (New York Yankees): $46 million (Salary: $40 million | Endorsements: $6 million)
- Justin Verlander (Houston Astros): $44.5 million (Salary: $43.3 million | Endorsements: $1.2 million)
- Jose Altuve (Houston Astros): $43.5 million (Salary: $41 million | Endorsements: $2.5 million)
- Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels): $40.5 million (Salary: $35.5 million | Endorsements: $5 million)
- Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers): $40.4 million (Salary: $40 million | Endorsements: $400,000)
- Corey Seager (Texas Rangers): $38.5 million (Salary: $34.5 million | Endorsements: $4 million)
- Anthony Rendon (Los Angeles Angels): $38.3 million (Salary: $38 million | Endorsements: $250,000)
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): $38 million (Salary: $36 million | Endorsements: $2 million)
- Carlos Correa (Minnesota Twins): $37.5 million (Salary: $36 million | Endorsements: $1.5 million)
- Juan Soto (New York Yankees): $34 million (Salary: $31 million | Endorsements: $3 million)
- Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies): $33 million (Salary: $26 million | Endorsements: $7 million)
- Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees): $32.3 million (Salary: $32 million | Endorsements: $250,000)
Shohei Ohtani’s Endorsement Dominance in 2024
Shohei Ohtani, a top player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is making huge income from endorsements in 2024.
Although his baseball salary is only $2 million, he will earn a total of $67 million this year.
This is because he has $65 million coming from endorsement deals. His major deals include brands like New Balance, which even created a new logo featuring him.
Ohtani’s endorsements are much higher than those of other baseball players. For example, Bryce Harper, who is second in endorsement earnings, makes $7 million from endorsements.
Ohtani’s ability to attract these deals resembles global basketball and soccer stars like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He has nearly 20 endorsement deals, with New Balance being the most valuable.
The move to the Dodgers has also boosted Ohtani’s off-field value. When he was with the Angels, he never made the playoffs, but the Dodgers have a strong playoff history. This makes Ohtani even more appealing to brands.
Power of MLB Agents in Player Earnings
In Major League Baseball, agents are important in negotiating contracts and securing high earnings for players. One of the most influential agents is Scott Boras.
His agency, Boras Corp., represents fewer than 10% of all MLB players, but those players make up 60% of the 25 highest salaries in baseball for 2024.
Boras has a reputation for securing massive deals for his clients. For instance, despite some criticism about smaller deals for certain players, Boras clients still dominate the list of top-paid players.
His agency’s expertise in negotiating contracts ensures that his clients get the best possible deals.
Agents like Boras focus not only on salaries but also on securing endorsements and other off-field earnings for players. This comprehensive approach helps players maximize their total income.
In summary, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have set new standards in MLB earnings for 2024.
Ohtani’s incredible endorsement deals, unique contract structure, and Yamamoto’s big signing bonus and endorsements show how the financial world of Major League Baseball is changing.
