In 2022, Major League Baseball (MLB) saw some of its highest-paid players continue to dominate the salary rankings. These players not only showcased their exceptional skills on the field but also commanded substantial salaries due to their contributions to the game and their market value. Let's take a closer look at some of the highest-paid players in baseball for the year 2022.
Baseball's Highest-Paid Players 2022
Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels:
Mike Trout has consistently been one of the highest-paid players in baseball and 2022 was no exception. Trout, often regarded as one of the best players in the game, signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension in 2019. His total earnings for 2022 were estimated to be around $49.5 million, which made him one of the top earners in the sport.
Gerrit Cole - New York Yankees:
Gerrit Cole, a highly sought-after pitcher, signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2019. As one of the premier pitchers in baseball, Cole's salary for 2022 was estimated to be around $36 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Max Scherzer - Los Angeles Dodgers:
Max Scherzer, known for his dominant pitching performances, signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. In 2022, Scherzer's earnings were estimated to be around $34.5 million, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid players in baseball.
Zack Greinke - Houston Astros:
Zack Greinke, a veteran pitcher, signed a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016. In 2019, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to perform at a high level. Greinke's earnings for 2022 were estimated to be around $34 million, placing him among the top earners in the game.
Clayton Kershaw - Los Angeles Dodgers:
Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff for over a decade. Kershaw's salary for 2022 was estimated to be around $33 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball.
Manny Machado - San Diego Padres:
Manny Machado, an All-Star infielder, signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres in 2019, making it one of the largest contracts in MLB history. Machado's earnings for 2022 were estimated to be around $32 million, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Bryce Harper - Philadelphia Phillies:
Bryce Harper, a former National League MVP, signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. Harper's salary for 2022 was estimated to be around $31.5 million, placing him among the highest-paid players in the game.
Nolan Arenado - St. Louis Cardinals:
Nolan Arenado, a five-time All-Star third baseman, was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals from the Colorado Rockies in 2021. Arenado's earnings for 2022 were estimated to be around $31 million, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid players in baseball.
Justin Verlander - Houston Astros:
Justin Verlander, a former Cy Young Award winner, signed a two-year, $66 million contract extension with the Houston Astros in 2019. However, Verlander missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, so his earnings for the year were significantly impacted.
Giancarlo Stanton - New York Yankees:
Giancarlo Stanton, a power-hitting outfielder, signed a 13-year, $325 million contract with the Miami Marlins in 2014. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 2017. Stanton's salary for 2022 was estimated to be around $29 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball.
It's important to note that these salary figures are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as performance bonuses, endorsements, and other incentives. Additionally, the rankings can change from year to year due to contract extensions, trades, and other financial considerations.
Overall, the highest-paid players in baseball for 2022 showcased their exceptional talent and value to their respective teams, earning significant salaries that reflect their impact on the game. These players not only contribute to their team's success on the field but also serve as ambassadors for the sport, attracting fans and sponsors alike