7 highest-earning MLB players of 2023, ranked: Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani signed a record-breaking deal with the LA Dodgers – but who else raked in millions, on and off the field?

Jan 5 , 2024

Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani and Anthony Rendon are among the highest-earning MLB players for 2023. Photos: AFP, Getty Images, @anthonyrendonoficial/Instagram

Shohei Ohtani, who signed a US$700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers recently, is expected to drive millions of dollars into the Japanese economy

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Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani has not only demolished contract records, his off-field earnings have made him one of the most lucrative commercial players in the game.

But it is not only Ohtani who is bringing in big money. MLB players ensure their contracts add to their wealth and 2023 was no different, with these seven icons in the game adding millions to their bank account.

Here are seven players who earned the most on and off the field in 2023, according to Forbes.

7. Gerrit Cole: US$36.5 million

Pitcher Gerrit Cole has a record value deal with the New York Yankees. Photo: @gerritcole45/Instagram

According to Forbes, Cole scored the largest contract by total value ever for a pitcher when he signed a nine-year, US$324 million deal back in 2019 for the New York Yankees. He can reportedly opt out of the contract after the 2024 season, giving him the chance to earn even more.

According to sports news website Sportico, his endorsements for 2023 are estimated to be around US$1.5 million, with the athlete raking it in from partners including Nike, Rawlings and Fanatics.

6. Anthony Rendon: US$38.2 million

The Angels’ Anthony Rendon has Nike, Rawlings and New Balance endorsements. Photo: @anthonyrendonoficial/Instagram

Rendon had just four seasons left on his seven-year, US$245 million deal he signed with the Los Angeles Angels before the start of the 2020 season. His endorsements for 2023 alone are estimated to be around US$250,000 with the athlete forming deals with the likes of Nike, Rawlings and New Balance, reports Investor Times.

5. Mike Trout: US$39.5 million

Despite injuries in the past two years, Mike Trout is still pulling in impressive earnings. Photo: @miketrout/Instagram

The Los Angeles Angels player’s run has been interrupted over the last two years because of injuries, but according to Sportico, he ranks first among active players in both on-base and slugging percentage. His 12-year contract with the Angels in 2019 saw him strike a deal worth US$426.5 million, reports Forbes.