Top-10 Highest Paid MLB Starting Pitchers in 2025

MLB’s Highest-Paid Starting Pitchers in 2025: Ohtani Leads the Way

Baseball’s elite starting pitchers continue to cash in at historic levels. As the 2025 season approaches, a staggering 25 starting pitchers will earn at least $20 million per year, while 67 pitchers will make $10 million or more in average annual salary.

At the very top? A two-way superstar setting a financial benchmark unlike anything the sport has ever seen.

Who Is the Highest-Paid Pitcher in MLB?

It should come as no surprise that the answer is Shohei Ohtani.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation not only commands the highest salary among pitchers, but he is the highest-paid player in all of Major League Baseball.

It seems like Ohtani added a windup to his delivery compared to just pitching out of the stretch. pic.twitter.com/Qyi3NHW7sQ

— Cody Snavely (Canelo) (@SnavelyCody6) February 15, 2025

His 10-year, $700 million contract, signed last winter, carries an unprecedented $70 million average annual salary—far surpassing any other pitcher in the game.

Even though Ohtani will not pitch in 2025 as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery, his dual role as a designated hitter ensures that he remains the game’s biggest financial powerhouse.

How Do Other Pitchers Compare?

Ohtani’s $70 million salary dwarfs the competition, but the next tier of MLB’s highest-paid pitchers is still pulling in eye-popping salaries.

At No. 2 on the list, Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler recently signed a three-year, $126 million extension, placing him at $42 million per season.

#Phillies best on best: Zack Wheeler vs. Bryce Harper pic.twitter.com/QJ1yfjBv0O

— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) February 23, 2025

Following him is Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom, who, despite injuries, remains one of the game’s top-paid arms at $37 million per year.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have another big-money arm in their rotation at No. 4—Blake Snell, fresh off his second Cy Young Award, is set to earn $36.4 million per year.

Rounding out the top five is New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who continues to command $36 million per season as the anchor of the Bronx Bombers’ rotation.

MLB’s Highest-Paid Starting Pitchers in 2025

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (RHP) – $70 million
2. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies (RHP) – $42 million
3. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers (RHP) – $37 million
4. Blake Snell, Los Angeles Dodgers (LHP) – $36.4 million
5. Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees (RHP) – $36 million
6. Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (RHP) – $35 million
7. Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles Dodgers (RHP) – $27.3 million
8. Max Fried, New York Yankees (LHP) – $27.25 million
9. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (RHP) – $27.1 million
10. Carlos Rodón, New York Yankees (LHP) – $27 million

Corbin Burnes is a snake and man oh man does he look filthy. pic.twitter.com/pkR9yAbB03

— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) February 13, 2025

A Look at the Financial Landscape

• The Dodgers dominate the list, boasting four of the top 10 highest-paid pitchers (Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow, and Yamamoto).
• The Yankees are right behind them, with three high-priced arms (Cole, Fried, and Rodón).
• Wheeler’s new extension solidifies him as the highest-paid pitcher who doesn’t wear a Dodgers or Yankees uniform.

Notably, six of these 10 pitchers have signed major deals within the last two offseasons, underscoring how aggressively teams are willing to invest in elite starting pitching.

The Cost of an Ace

With frontline starters now commanding upwards of $35-$40 million per season, the market for elite pitching continues to skyrocket.

The Dodgers and Yankees have shown they are willing to pay top dollar to assemble dominant rotations, while teams like the Phillies, Rangers, and Diamondbacks have made targeted investments in premier arms.

For franchises hoping to compete for championships, the message is clear: elite starting pitching comes at a premium—and in 2025, that premium has never been higher.