The 25 Highest-Paid MLB Players in 2018

For the franchises writing these checks, some deals turn out to be bargains — and some don’t.

The 25 Highest-Paid MLB Players in 2018

Don’t let the debate about Major League Baseball’s supposed "marketing problem" fool you. The league is flush with cash.

In fact, MLB ranks second among global sports leagues for the average player salary ($4.5 million), a figure that has grown steadily every year since 2004, when it was $2.31 million. Team payrolls continue to rise, as well. In 2018, overall franchise payrolls range from the Tampa Bay Rays ($71,111,224) and Chicago White Sox ($71,168,615) to the San Francisco Giants ($207,025,940) and Boston Red Sox ($227,638,244).

When looking at the highest-paid baseball players in terms of yearly salary, most people wouldn’t be shocked to find out that stars such as Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout are at the top of the list. We have to warn you, though, some of the richest players in the game might cause fans to cringe given the disparity between their colossal paychecks and poor statistical output.

So which players earn the most this year, good or bad? Find out here.

#25: Ian Desmond

Team: Colorado Rockies

Position: 1B

Age: 32

Experience: 10 years

Rookie season: 2009

Financials:

2018 total salary: $22,000,000

Base salary: $22,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 5 years, $70,000,000

Free Agent: 2023

Career Statistics

AVG: .264

HR: 159

RBI: 635

R: 649

SB: 175

2018 Statistics

AVG: .236

HR: 22

RBI: 88

R: 82

SB: 20

2017 Statistics

AVG: .274

HR: 7

RBI: 40

R: 47

SB: 13

Bottom line: The Rockies signed Desmond with hopes he’d join Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story as a legitimate power source.

The 32-year-old has been disappointing, though, as he followed up a five-year run of at least 19 homers per season with just seven in an injury-riddled 2017.

His power numbers have been better this year, but his batting average has decreased. This might be a contract Colorado regrets.

#24: Masahiro Tanaka

New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka delivers the ball to the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Team: New York Yankees

Position: SP

Age: 29

Experience: 5 years

Rookie season: 2014

Financials:

2018 total salary: $22,000,000

Base salary: $22,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 7 years, $155,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

W-L: 62-33

ERA: 3.60

IP: 802.1

K: 773

2018 Statistics

W-L: 12-6

ERA: 3.75

IP: 156

K: 159

2017 Statistics

W-L: 13-12

ERA: 4.74

IP: 178.1

K: 194

Bottom line: Tanaka has proven to be a stalwart in the Yankees’ rotation over the last five seasons.

Though the first half was near disastrous in 2017 — having posted a 5.47 ERA in 18 starts — he rebounded well and helped the team reach Game 7 of the ALCS before falling to the eventual champion Houston Astros.

After opting back into his current deal, the right-hander will continue to serve as the No. 2 starter for the Bronx Bombers until his contract is up in 2021.

#23: Max Scherzer

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Team: Washington Nationals

Position: SP

Age: 33

Experience: 11 years

Rookie season: 2008

Financials:

2018 total salary: $22,142,857

Base salary: $15,000,000

Signing bonus: $7,142,857

Contract: 7 years, $210,000,000

Free Agent: 2022

Career Statistics

W-L: 157-81

ERA: 3.20

IP: 2,090

K: 2,409

2018 Statistics

W-L: 16-6

ERA: 2.28

IP: 220.2

K: 300

2017 Statistics

W-L: 16-6

ERA: 2.51

IP: 200.2

K: 268

Bottom line: "Mad Max" exudes dominance on the mound. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner who also has finished in the top five in voting for five straight years, seems to be getting stronger, too.

It’s not a stretch to say he’s authoring his best season as an ace.

#22: Buster Posey

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey bobbles a fly ball in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in San Francisco, Friday, Aug 24, 2018. (AP Photo/John Hefti)

Team: San Francisco Giants

Position: C

Age: 31

Experience: 10 years

Rookie season: 2009

Financials

2018 total salary: $22,177,777

Base salary: $21,400,000

Signing bonus: $777,777

Contract: 8 years, $159,000,000

Free Agent: 2023

Career Statistics

AVG: .306

HR: 133

RBI: 635

R: 552

SB: 23

2018 Statistics

AVG: .284

HR: 5

RBI: 41

R: 47

SB: 3

2017 Statistics

AVG: .320

HR: 12

RBI: 67

R: 62

SB: 6

Bottom line: A key cog in the Giants’ three World Series championship runs several years ago, Posey has been a model of consistency over his 10-year career.

A former Rookie of the Year and MVP, the 31-year-old is a fan favorite in the Bay Area and continues to produce at the plate.

While his power has slightly diminished, the six-time All-Star been able to maintain his usual high average.

#21: Cole Hamels

Team: Chicago Cubs

Position: SP

Age: 34

Experience: 13 years

Rookie season: 2006

Financials:

2018 total salary: $22,500,000

Base salary: $22,500,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 6 years, $144,000,000

Free Agent: 2020

Career Statistics

W-L: 156-111

ERA: 3.39

IP: 2,521.2

K: 2,384

2018 Statistics

W-L: 9-12

ERA: 3.78

IP: 190.2

K: 188

2017 Statistics

W-L: 11-6

ERA: 4.20

IP: 148

K: 105

Bottom line: Hamels, one of the most consistent starters of this generation, spent nine full seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and was then dealt midway through the 2015 season to the Texas Rangers.

After two campaigns in Arlington, Hamels found himself on the move this summer as he was traded to the Cubs.

The third Chicago starter on this list, the lanky lefty might be the final piece to the puzzle for Wrigley Field to be hosting World Series games again.

#20: Joe Mauer

Team: Minnesota Twins

Position: 1B

Age: 35

Experience: 15 years

Rookie season: 2004

Financials:

2018 total salary: $23,000,000

Base salary: $23,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 8 years, $184,000,000

Free Agent: 2019

Career Statistics

AVG: .306

HR: 142

RBI: 914

R: 1,003

SB: 52

2018 Statistics

AVG: .282

HR: 6

RBI: 48

R: 64

SB: 0

2017 Statistics:

AVG: .305

HR: 7

RBI: 71

R: 69

SB: 2

Bottom line: From 2006 to 2013, Mauer was one of the top 15 hitters in baseball, garnering six All-Star Game appearances, five Silver Slugger awards, and MVP honors in 2009.

Ever since he turned 30, however, the future Hall of Famer hasn’t been the same. In the final year of his monster contract, it’ll be intriguing to see if the Twins make an effort to re-sign the 6-foot-5 first baseman and ensure his final year(s) in the game are spent where they began.

#19: Josh Donaldson

Team: Cleveland Indians

Position: 3B

Age: 32

Experience: 8 years

Rookie season: 2010

Financials:

2018 total salary: $23,000,000

Base salary: $23,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 1 year, $23,000,000

Free Agent: 2019

Career Statistics

AVG: .275

HR: 179

RBI: 544

R: 548

SB: 34

2018 Statistics

AVG: .234

HR: 8

RBI: 23

R: 30

SB: 2

2017 Statistics

AVG: .270

HR: 33

RBI: 78

R: 65

SB: 2

Bottom line: Donaldson’s home run totals from 2013 through 2017 are as follows: 24, 29, 41, 37, 33. Not bad, right? The problem with the former MVP is that he’s entering free agency once again this winter following an injury-riddled campaign that has kept him out for all but 36 games.

When healthy, the 32-year-old is one of the best players in baseball, so it’ll be interesting to see what his next contract will look like.

#18: J.D. Martinez

Team: Boston Red Sox

Position: OF

Age: 30

Experience: 8 years

Rookie season: 2011

Financials

2018 total salary: $23,750,000

Base salary: $23,750,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 5 years, $110,000,000

Free Agent: 2023

Career Statistics

AVG: .292

HR: 191

RBI: 591

R: 494

SB: 21

2018 Statistics

AVG: .330

HR: 43

RBI: 130

R: 111

SB: 6

2017 Statistics

AVG: .303

HR: 45

RBI: 104

R: 85

SB: 4

Bottom line: After three seasons as a role player with the Houston Astros, Martinez came into his own as a member of the Detroit Tigers four years ago.

He then compiled 128 homers from 2014-2017 leading into his free-agency period. This past offseason, he cashed in on that strong run by signing a lucrative deal with the Red Sox — and he’s rewarded them with another 35-plus homer, 100-plus RBI campaign.

At age 30, he’s sure to produce several more powerful seasons at the plate.

#17: Jordan Zimmermann

Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Team: Detroit Tigers

Position: SP

Age: 32

Experience: 10 years

Rookie season: 2009

Financials

2018 total salary: $24,000,000

Base salary: $24,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 5 years, $110,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

W-L: 94-76

ERA: 3.78

IP: 1,471.1

K: 1,169

2018 Statistics

W-L: 7-8

ERA: 4.52

IP: 131.1

K: 111

2017 Statistics

W-L: 8-13

ERA: 6.08

IP: 160

K: 103

Bottom line: This contract might be the ugliest on our list. Zimmermann — known as a solid starter for the majority of his 10-year career, especially during his seven years with the Washington Nationals — has been utterly disappointing. In 2016, his first with the Tigers, he racked up a 4.87 ERA in just 105.1 innings.

Then, last season, he recorded an 8-13 record and a 608 ERA over 160 innings. Despite his numbers being slightly better this year, he’s had to answer questions about his hefty deal and lack of production on the mound.

"I still have two years left," he told the Detroit Free Press. "A lot of things can happen, and we’ll see. We’ll talk more at the end of the contract, and we’ll have this conversation then, but I don’t think right now is the right time for that."

#16: Robinson Cano

Team: Seattle Mariners

Position: 2B

Age: 35

Experience: 14 years

Rookie season: 2005

Financials:

2018 total salary: $24,000,000

Base salary: $24,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 10 years, $240,000,000

Free Agent: 2024

Career Statistics

AVG: .304

HR: 308

RBI: 1214

R: 1,178

SB: 51

2018 Statistics

AVG: .303

HR: 10

RBI: 50

R: 44

SB: 0

2017 Statistics

AVG: .280

HR: 23

RBI: 97

R: 76

SB: 1

Bottom line: After nine years with the New York Yankees, Cano signed with the Mariners for a substantially larger amount of money than the Bronx Bombers were willing to offer.

While the eight-time All-Star has continued his typical offensive production with Seattle, his tenure there — now in its fifth year — hasn’t always been easy. This past May 15, he was suspended 80 games for testing positive for furosemide, which is a diuretic that can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs.

Still on the books for another five years, the 35-year-old is out to prove he is worth his paycheck. "I want to earn every penny that I get here," Cano told the New York Times. "I don’t want to be like those guys that, two or three years into their contract, they do really good and then they don’t care. I do care. … That’s how I want to be remembered, as a guy that was productive in this game, not a guy that just feels comfortable because he gets the money."

#15: Yu Darvish

Team: Chicago Cubs

Position: SP

Age: 31

Experience: 6 years

Rookie season: 2012

Financials

2018 total salary: $25,000,000

Base salary: $25,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 6 years, $126,000,000

Free Agent: 2024

Career Statistics

W-L: 57-45

ERA: 3.49

IP: 872.1

K: 1,070

2018 Statistics

W-L: 1-3

ERA: 4.95

IP: 40

K: 49

2017 Statistics

W-L: 10-12

ERA: 3.86

IP: 186.2

K: 209

Bottom line: In July 2017, Darvish was traded by the rebuilding Texas Rangers to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After helping the club earn the National League pennant, though, he faltered in the Fall Classic by failing to get out of the second inning in each of his starts.

Regardless of his shoddy World Series appearances, the strikeout machine has been considered among the best pitchers in baseball since he burst on the scene in 2012.

This year, his first as a member of the Cubs, has been a frustrating one with multiple stints on the disabled list. We’ll see if he can get healthy for a potential run through October.

#14: Joey Votto

Joey Votton — Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto hits an RBI single off Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher T.J. McFarland in the eighth inning of a 2018 game in Cincinnati.

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Position: 1B

Age: 34

Experience: 12 years

Rookie season: 2007

Financials:

2018 total salary: $25,000,000

Base salary: $25,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 10 years, $225,000,000

Free Agent: 2025

Career Statistics

AVG: .311

HR: 266

RBI: 887

R: 925

SB: 73

2018 Statistics

AVG: .284

HR: 12

RBI: 67

R: 67

SB: 2

2017 Statistics

AVG: .320

HR: 36

RBI: 100

R: 106

SB: 5

Bottom line: Votto, a six-time All-Star and former MVP who turns 35 this month, is one of the most consistent hitters in baseball.

Of all his impressive accolades throughout his 12-year career in Cincinnati, the most eye-opening might be that he’s led the major leagues in on-base percentage seven — yes, seven — times.

There’s been a dip in his power numbers this season, though, so a steady decline in overall production might be on the horizon.

#13: Giancarlo Stanton

Team: New York Yankees

Position: OF

Age: 28

Experience: 9 years

Rookie season: 2010

Financials:

2018 total salary: $25,000,000

Base salary: $25,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 13 years, $325,000,000

Free Agent: 2029

Career Statistics

AVG: .269

HR: 300

RBI: 756

R: 663

SB: 41

2018 Statistics

AVG: .270

HR: 38

RBI: 100

R: 102

SB: 5

2017 Statistics

AVG: .281

HR: 59

RBI: 132

R: 123

SB: 2

Bottom line: The only thing larger than Stanton himself is probably the hulking outfielder’s whopping contract.

The reigning MVP has backed up his massive deal with elite production, though. Injuries have taken away a chunk of his playing time over the years, but he finally suited up for more than 150 games in 2017, when he exploded for 59 home runs and 132 RBI during his final season with the Miami Marlins.

Now with the Bronx Bombers, Stanton is a key component to the team’s playoff run.

#12: Felix Hernandez

Team: Seattle Mariners

Position: SP

Age: 32

Experience: 14 years

Rookie season: 2005

Financials:

2018 total salary: $26,857,142

Base salary: $26,000,000

Signing bonus: $857,142

Contract: 7 years, $175,000,000

Free Agent: 2020

Career Statistics

W-L: 168-127

ERA: 3.33

IP: 2,650

K: 2,461

2018 Statistics

W-L: 8-14

ERA: 5.55

IP: 155.2

K: 125

2017 Statistics

W-L: 6-5

ERA: 4.36

IP: 86.2

K: 78

Bottom line: Has the King been knocked off his throne? "King Felix" logged 10 consecutive seasons with 30 or more starts and eight straight years with over 200 innings pitched.

Since 2016, though, not only have his numbers noticeably suffered (he was banished to the bullpen in August), his health has become a chronic issue, too.

The six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner will look to bounce back next year as he hits the open market again in 2020, when he’ll be only 34 years old.

#11: Jon Lester

Team: Chicago Cubs

Position: SP

Age: 34

Experience: 13 years

Rookie season: 2006

Financials:

2018 total salary: $27,500,000

Base salary: $22,500,000

Signing bonus: $5,000,000

Contract: 6 years, $155,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

W-L: 174-97

ERA: 3.52

IP: 2,342.1

K: 2,167

2018 Statistics

W-L: 15-5

ERA: 3.32

IP: 181.2

K: 149

2017 Statistics

W-L: 13-8

ERA: 4.33

IP: 180.2

K: 180

Bottom line: Like Jason Heyward, Lester was a beneficiary of the Cubs writing blank checks to ensure a World Series was won within a short window. Mission accomplished.

Not only was the five-time All-Star instrumental in Chicago breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat in 2016, he has continued to serve as a stellar high-level starter in a rotation that might make another appearance in the Fall Classic this year.

#10: Justin Verlander

Team: Houston Astros

Position: SP

Age: 35

Experience: 14 years

Rookie season: 2005

Financials:

2018 total salary: $28,000,000

Base salary: $28,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 6 years, $162,000,000

Free Agent: 2020

Career Statistics

W-L: 202-123

ERA: 3.41

IP: 2,733

K: 2,664

2018 Statistics

W-L: 16-9

ERA: 2.52

IP: 214

K: 290

2017 Statistics

W-L: 15-8

ERA: 3.36

IP: 206

K: 219

Bottom line: After spending more than a decade with the Detroit Tigers, Verlander was dealt to the Astros late last summer — and the ace ultimately helped the team win its first-ever World Series.

This year, the 35-year-old flamethrower has been nothing short of terrific and could be the key to Houston treating their fans to back-to-back crowns.

#9: Jason Heyward

Team: Chicago Cubs

Position: OF

Age: 28

Experience: 9 years

Rookie season: 2010

Financials

2018 total salary: $28,166,667

Base salary: $21,500,000

Signing bonus: $6,666,667

Contract: 8 years, $184,000,000

Free Agent: 2024

Career Statistics

AVG: .263

HR: 122

RBI: 512

R: 631

SB: 102

2018 Statistics

AVG: .275

HR: 7

RBI: 57

R: 67

SB: 1

2017 Statistics:

AVG:.259

HR: 11

RBI: 59

R: 59

SB: 4

Bottom line: Heyward spent five productive years with the Atlanta Braves and then registered 13 home runs, 60 RBI, 23 stolen bases and a .293 average in 2015 for the St. Louis Cardinals.

In trying to augment their lineup as much as possible for a World Series run, the Chicago Cubs handed Heyward a plethora of money to stand out among the likes of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and company.

Though Heyward has been extremely disappointing for Chicago, he was a part of the historic squad that captured the franchise’s first Fall Classic title in 108 years.

#8: Yoenis Cespedes

Team: New York Mets

Position: OF

Age: 32

Experience: 7 years

Rookie season: 2012

Financials:

2018 total salary: $29,000,000

Base salary: $29,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 4 years, $110,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

AVG: .274

HR: 163

RBI: 524

R: 472

SB: 43

2018 Statistics

AVG: .262

HR: 9

RBI: 29

R: 20

SB: 3

2017 Statistics

AVG: .292

HR: 17

RBI: 42

R: 46

SB: 0

Bottom line: After helping New York reach the World Series in 2015 and the wild-card game in 2016, it’s been all downhill from there.

An assortment of injuries has kept the outfielder from serving as the primary offensive threat for the Mets, whose championship window seemingly has been slammed shut.

#7: Jake Arrieta

Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Position: SP

Age: 32

Experience: 9 years

Rookie season: 2010

Financials

2018 total salary: $30,000,000

Base salary: $30,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 3 years, $75,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

W-L: 98-65

ERA: 3.58

IP: 1,315.2

K: 1,190

2018 Statistics

W-L: 10-11

ERA: 3.96

IP: 172.2

K: 138

2017 Statistics:

W-L: 14-10

ERA: 3.53

IP: 168.1

K: 163

Bottom line: Arrieta enjoyed four full seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 2014-17 and most notably won the 2015 Cy Young award after going 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA over 33 starts and 229 innings.

He followed that spectacular campaign with two solid years, ultimately enticing the rebuilding Phillies to bolster their rotation with his talents.

So far, so good. In fact, with a run in the playoffs, his newly signed deal will look like a bargain.

#6: Albert Pujols

Team: Los Angeles Angels

Position: 1B

Age: 38

Experience: 18 years

Rookie season: 2001

Financials

2018 total salary: $30,000,000

Base salary: $27,000,000

Signing bonus: $3,000,000

Contract: 10 years, $240,000,000

Free Agent: 2022

Career Statistics

AVG: .302

HR: 639

RBI: 1,982

R: 1,773

SB: 111

2018 Statistics

AVG: .245

HR: 19

RBI: 64

R: 50

SB: 1

2017 Statistics:

AVG: .241

HR: 23

RBI: 101

R: 53

SB: 3

Bottom line: Pujols is a surefire Hall of Famer who has collected three MVPs and 10 All-Star Game selections.

While he might not be the elite offensive player he used to be, the 38-year-old is still producing for the Angels, and entered the current season having averaged 31 home runs in the previous three years.

#5: Miguel Cabrera

Team: Detroit Tigers

Position: 1B

Age: 35

Experience: 16 years

Rookie season: 2003

Financials:

2018 total salary: $30,000,000

Base salary: $30,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 8 years, $248,000,000

Free Agent: 2024

Career Statistics

AVG: .316

HR: 465

RBI: 1,635

R: 1,388

SB: 38

2018 Statistics

AVG: .299

HR: 3

RBI: 22

R: 17

SB: 0

2017 Statistics

AVG: .249

HR:16

RBI: 60

R: 50

SB: 0

Bottom line: With injuries derailing the final part of 2017 and a ruptured tendon in his bicep costing him all but 38 games in 2018, the Tigers are coming to grips with this fact: Cabrera’s best days are behind him.

At age 35, he will not revert to the feared slugger who earned two straight MVP awards — including seven top-five finishes in voting from 2005-13 — and captured baseball’s first Triple Crown in 45 years back in 2012.

Cabrera is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer and one of the top sluggers of this generation. However, it’s a tad cringeworthy to think the Tigers are on the hook to pay him through 2024.

#4: David Price

Team: Boston Red Sox

Position: SP

Age: 32

Experience: 11 years

Rookie season: 2008

Financials:

2018 total salary: $30,000,000

Base salary: $30,000,000

Signing bonus: N/A

Contract: 7 years, $217,000,000

Free Agent: 2023

Career Statistics

W-L: 141-74

ERA: 3.25

IP: 1,898.2

K: 1,828

2018 Statistics

W-L: 16-7

ERA: 3.58

IP: 176

K: 177

2017 Statistics

W-L: 6-3

ERA: 3.38

IP: 74.2

K: 76

Bottom line: After spending 2015 with the Detroit Tigers and then the Toronto Blue Jays as a pennant-chase rental pitcher for two months, Price landed (at the time) the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher.

The lanky left-hander rewarded Boston’s deep investment with a stellar year, posting 17 wins and a 3.99 ERA over 35 starts, but endured a strange 2017 during which he spent extended time on the disabled list.

Now back to the rotation and pitching well in 2018, Price could justify his whopping salary by helping the Red Sox win a World Series crown.

#3: Zack Greinke

Team: Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: SP

Age: 34

Experience: 15 years

Rookie season: 2004

Financials

2018 total salary: $34,000,000

Base salary: $31,000,000

Signing bonus: $3,000,000

Contract: 6 years, $206,500,000

Free Agent: 2022

Career Statistics

W-L: 186-116

ERA: 3.37

IP: 2,631.2

K: 2,412

2018 Statistics

W-L: 15-11

ERA: 3.21

IP: 207.2

K: 199

2017 Statistics

W-L: 17-7

ERA: 3.20

IP: 202.1

K: 215

Bottom line: Coming off a spectacular season in which he posted a 19-3 record, 1.66 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 222.2 innings as the National League’s Cy Young runner-up, Greinke bolted the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Diamondbacks and his current fat paycheck.

He’s been extremely solid for Arizona, though, and shows no signs of slowing down as one of baseball’s most consistent, high-level starting pitchers.

#2: Mike Trout

Team: Los Angeles Angels

Position: OF

Age: 27

Experience: 8 years

Rookie season: 2011

Financials

2018 total salary: $33,250,000

Base salary: $34,083,333

Signing bonus: $833,333

Contract: 6 years, $144,500,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

AVG: .306

HR: 232

RBI: 632

R: 780

SB: 187

2018 Statistics

AVG: .305

HR: 39

RBI: 79

R: 101

SB: 24

2017 Statistics

AVG: .306

HR: 33

RBI: 72

R: 92

SB: 21

Bottom line: Trout is easily the top player in baseball — and his numbers prove it. It’s almost unbelievable that the outfielder had placed either first or second in MVP voting for five consecutive years from 2012-16.

An injury-riddled campaign in 2017 held him to just 114 games, and he still came in fourth place among the top players in the American League. The seven-time All-Star is just entering his prime at 26.

Enjoy it, baseball fans. This is a once-in-a-generation legend.

#1: Clayton Kershaw

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: SP

Age: 30

Experience: 11 years

Rookie season: 2008

Financials

2018 total salary: $35,571,428

Base salary: $33,000,000

Signing bonus: $2,571,428

Contract: 7 years, $215,000,000

Free Agent: 2021

Career Statistics

W-L: 150-69

ERA: 2.37

IP: 2,066.1

K: 2,247

2018 Statistics

W-L: 9-5

ERA: 2.73

IP: 161.1

K: 155

2017 Statistics

W-L: 18-4

ERA: 2.31

IP: 175

K: 202

Bottom line: Kershaw, arguably the game’s best pitcher, had been an All-Star for seven consecutive seasons until injuries derailed this current campaign.

Limited due to lower back pain earlier in the year— he missed over a month with the same ailment in 2017 — he has returned and is lifting the Dodgers during their playoff chase.

The three-time Cy Young award-winner and former MVP needs to stay healthy if L.A. plans on punching its ticket to another World Series.