Who is the Wealthiest MLB player of all time?

By Oliver Wiener March 07, 2024 05:55

Photo by Rob Tringali | SportsChrome | Getty Images

Major League Baseball has seen a significant increase in the size of player contracts over the years, with some reaching astronomical figures. The wealth accumulated by these baseball stars is a testament to the sport's popularity and the financial rewards it offers. In this article, we will delve into the careers and earnings of the wealthiest MLB players of all time, providing intricate details and analysis.

The Evolution of Baseball Contracts

In the year 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed a groundbreaking $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers, a deal that was unprecedented and reshaped the landscape of professional baseball player salaries. Fast forward to 2019, and the bar was raised even higher with Mike Trout's contract with the Los Angeles Angels reaching a staggering $400 million. These eye-watering figures make one wonder if we will witness the first $1 billion baseball contract in the near future.

Wealthiest MLB Players

To identify the wealthiest MLB players, Stacker consulted Celebrity Net Worth to rank the world's baseball players by their latest net worth figures. The net worth figures were calculated using a proprietary formula that considered all publicly-available data about each person, including salaries, real estate holdings, divorces, record sales, royalties, and endorsements, among other factors. Let's explore the top earners:

1. Alex Rodriguez

Net Worth: $350 million
Career span: 1994-2016
Nationality: United States
Wealth Sources: A-Rod Corp. investments in real estate, sports, and media; collaborations with MasterCard, Pizza Hut, and Ralph Lauren; TV sports analyst.

2. Derek Jeter

Net Worth: $200 million
Career span: 1995-2014
Nationality: United States
Wealth Sources: The Players' Tribune; ownership of the Miami Marlins; endorsement deals with Jordan Brand and Gatorade.

3. CC Sabathia

Net Worth: $260 million
Career span: 2001-2019
Nationality: United States
Wealth Sources: Notable earnings from the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians.

4. Albert Pujols

Net Worth: $170 million
Career span: 2001-Present
Nationality: Dominican Republic
Wealth Sources: Lucrative deal with the Los Angeles Angels; endorsements and video game covers.

5. Miguel Cabrera

Net Worth: $125 million
Career span: 2003-Present
Nationality: Venezuela
Wealth Sources: On-field earnings surpassing $300 million; investments in a candy company.

6. Justin Verlander

Net Worth: $95 million
Career span: 2005-Present
Nationality: United States
Wealth Sources: Contracts, endorsements, and investments; married to Kate Upton.

7. Felix Hernandez

Net Worth: $90 million
Career span: 2005-2019
Nationality: Venezuela
Wealth Sources: Earnings from the Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves; endorsements and portfolio building.

Post-Baseball Ventures

Many of these players have diversified their wealth through post-baseball ventures. Derek Jeter, for instance, launched The Players' Tribune and was part of a group that bought the Miami Marlins for approximately $1.2 billion. Albert Pujols secured his financial position through endorsements and a lucrative deal with the Los Angeles Angels. These ventures have contributed significantly to their current net worth.

The wealth accumulated by these MLB players is a testament to their on-field prowess, business acumen, and the ever-increasing financial landscape of professional sports. As the sport continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether future contracts will surpass the current staggering figures. The legacy of these players extends beyond the field, as they have set a new standard for financial success in Major League Baseball.

The wealthiest MLB player of all time, based on career earnings and post-baseball ventures, is Alex Rodriguez, with a net worth of $350 million. His investments in real estate, sports, and media, along with collaborations with major brands, have solidified his position as the richest player in MLB history.