Highest-Paid MLB Starting Pitchers in 2025: Top Salaries and Earnings

# Highest-Paid MLB Starting Pitchers in 2025: Top Salaries and Earnings

Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to reward top-tier starting pitchers with massive contracts, recognizing their importance in shaping a team’s success. As teams seek to lock down elite arms, salaries for starting pitchers have skyrocketed, with some of the best hurlers in the game earning record-breaking deals.

In 2025, several pitchers stand out as the highest-paid in the league. These players have not only demonstrated consistent excellence on the mound but have also secured lucrative contracts that reflect their value. Below, we take a closer look at the highest-paid MLB starting pitchers in 2025, breaking down their contracts, earnings, and impact on their respective teams.

## **1. Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)**
– **Annual Salary:** $36 million
– **Contract Details:** 9 years, $324 million (signed in 2019)
– **Team Impact:** As the ace of the Yankees’ rotation, Cole remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His ability to rack up strikeouts and deliver in high-pressure situations has made him a cornerstone of New York’s pitching staff.

## **2. Max Scherzer (New York Mets)**
– **Annual Salary:** $43.3 million
– **Contract Details:** 3 years, $130 million (signed in 2021)
– **Team Impact:** Despite being one of the older pitchers on this list, Scherzer continues to perform at an elite level. His leadership and experience make him a vital asset to the Mets as they push for postseason success.

## **3. Justin Verlander (New York Mets)**
– **Annual Salary:** $43.3 million
– **Contract Details:** 2 years, $86.7 million (signed in 2022)
– **Team Impact:** Verlander’s career resurgence has been remarkable, and his massive contract reflects his ability to dominate even in his late 30s. His presence in the Mets’ rotation adds veteran leadership and stability.

## **4. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)**
– **Annual Salary:** $46 million** (pitching portion of his contract)
– **Contract Details:** 10 years, $700 million (signed in 2023)
– **Team Impact:** While Ohtani’s contract is structured with significant deferred payments, his value as a two-way superstar makes him one of the highest-paid players in MLB history. His pitching dominance, combined with his offensive prowess, sets him apart from any other player in the league.

## **5. Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)**
– **Annual Salary:** $37 million
– **Contract Details:** 5 years, $185 million (signed in 2022)
– **Team Impact:** When healthy, deGrom is arguably the most dominant pitcher in baseball. The Rangers took a calculated risk with his contract, hoping he can lead their rotation deep into the playoffs.

## **6. Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies)**
– **Annual Salary:** $42 million** (new extension)
– **Contract Details:** 3 years, $126 million extension (signed in 2024)
– **Team Impact:** Wheeler has emerged as one of the most reliable aces in the league. His ability to eat innings and deliver consistent performances makes him a key piece for the Phillies’ championship aspirations.

## **7. Corbin Burnes (Baltimore Orioles)**
– **Annual Salary:** $35 million** (new contract)
– **Contract Details:** 6 years, $210 million (signed in 2024)
– **Team Impact:** After proving himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League, Burnes secured a massive deal with the Orioles. His addition strengthens Baltimore’s rotation as they aim to become a perennial contender.

## **8. Julio Urías (Los Angeles Dodgers)**
– **Annual Salary:** $33 million
– **Contract Details:** 7 years, $231 million (signed in 2024)
– **Team Impact:** Urías has been a consistent force for the Dodgers, and his new contract ensures he remains a key part of their rotation for years to come. His postseason experience adds tremendous value.

## **9. Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins)**
– **Annual Salary:** $30 million
– **Contract Details:** 5 years, $150 million extension (signed in 2023)
– **Team Impact:** The reigning Cy Young winner continues to dominate for the Marlins. His ability to work deep into games and limit runs has made him one of the most valuable pitchers in the league.

## **10. Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies)**
– **Annual Salary:** $27 million
– **Contract