TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The highest-paid MLB players in 2026 are once again reinforcing baseball’s status as a financial powerhouse. While lucrative contracts remain a defining feature of the sport, on-field icons such as Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker continue to expand their earnings well beyond the diamond, capitalizing on elite endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and commercial ventures.
According to Forbes, the top 10 highest-paid Major League Baseball (MLB) players reached a record-setting $144 million in 2026, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. The sharp rise is driven by Ohtani himself, whose staggering $125 million in off-field income alone eclipses the combined $19 million earned by the other nine players on the list.
Here are the highest-paid MLB players in 2026, according to the latest updates from Forbes.
1. Shohei Ohtani – $127 million
Unsurprisingly, Shohei Ohtani continues to command unmatched commercial appeal after launching a personal-best 55 home runs. Brands remain eager to align with his global profile; the four-time MVP recently added a partnership promoting Japanese firm Kirin’s immune health supplements to an already expansive endorsement portfolio. As the sport’s only true two-way superstar in a generation, there is simply no close comparison.
2. Cody Bellinger – $56.5 million
Ranked as the world's second-highest-paid MLB player, Cody Bellinger delivered his strongest performance in the Bronx since his 2019 MVP run. His return to New York has ultimately elevated his financial standing into a new tier. Off the field, Bellinger has quickly embraced the spotlight, partnering with Revlon, Louisville Slugger, and men’s jewelry label Jaxxon.
3. Kyle Tucker – $56 million
Among MLB’s most reliable outfielders, Kyle Tucker entered free agency riding the momentum of four consecutive All-Star selections. Upon joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in January, the Right Fielder secured a four-year, $240 million deal that marked a dramatic leap from the $16.5 million he earned in 2025. The contract includes $30 million in deferred payments alongside a substantial $64 million signing bonus.
4. Juan Soto – $51.9 million
With a record-setting $765 million deal, Juan Soto inevitably joins the ranks of the highest-paid MLB players in 2026. Beyond his on-field performance, his endorsement portfolio spans global and regional brands, including Under Armour, energy drink company Celsius, beer maker Presidente, and Banreservas in his native Dominican Republic. Still in his prime at 27, his trajectory suggests there is ample room for his earnings to climb even higher in the years ahead.
5. Aaron Judge – $46.1 million
In recent years, Aaron Judge’s presence has extended far beyond the field, as both the face of the Yankees and one of the most recognizable athletes in American sports. The team's captain wonderfully edged out Cal Raleigh to secure his third MVP award in a tightly contested American League MVP race last season.
When it comes to financial streaks, Judge ranks second only to Shohei Ohtani in endorsement earnings among MLB players, bolstered by partnerships with Polo Ralph Lauren and Prime Hydration.
6. Bo Bichette – $42.4 million
Bo Bichette's lucrative three-year $126 million contract undeniably made him one of the highest-paid MLB players in 2026. Aside from a $40 million signing bonus, the 28-year-old is receiving as much spotlight for his growing commercial profile, with partnerships covering Tucci, Cadillac, and Junk. His move to the Mets also reinforced his emergence as one of the league’s more marketable young stars.
7. Zack Wheeler – $42.2 million
Despite being MLB's highest-paid full-time pitcher, Zack Wheeler shared his stance on planned retirement with The Athletic in June, citing contract expiration after the 2027 season. However, his tone appeared more measured during this year's spring training, suggesting those long-term plans may still be fluid. While less flashy than some of his peers, Wheeler has quietly established his commercial presence with Nike and Fanatics.
8. Mike Trout – $39 million
The 34-year-old Mike Trout is aiming to return to center field this season after splitting time between right field and designated hitter, while continuing to earn $35.5 million annually through 2030 under his contract with the Los Angeles Angels. His name also retains significant influence in the endorsement world, including extended contracts with Nike.
9. Jacob deGrom – $38 million
Jacob deGrom emerged as one of the highest-paid MLB players in 2026, thanks to his $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers. While deGrom's flashes of brilliance are interrupted by injury setbacks, he is coming off his healthiest campaign in years, logging 172 2⁄3 innings across 30 starts in 2025.
10. Gerrit Cole – $37.5 million
Cole has long established himself as one of the American League’s most reliable front-line starters, and his contract reflects that sustained excellence. The six-time All-Star offered an early glimpse of his recovery, tossing a scoreless inning for the New York Yankees in a recent spring training appearance against the Boston Red Sox.
As figures climb and marketability reaches new heights, the highest-paid MLB players in 2026 continue to highlight how baseball’s biggest stars are thriving both on and off the field.
Curious how these earnings compare across sports? Take a closer look at how football’s top names stack up by exploring the highest-paid football players next.
Read: Top 5 Most Popular Sports in America, Is Your Favorite on the List?
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