Major League Baseball (MLB) pays many players very high salaries. But among all pitchers, one name stands above the rest in yearly pay. Shohei Ohtani is the highest paid pitcher because he also hits, making him more valuable than a normal pitcher. Zack Wheeler is the highest-paid pure pitcher and Highest Paid Player on the Philadelphia Phillies Team (only pitches) in 2026. Several other top pitchers earn above $30 million per year.
Shohei Ohtani – Highest Paid MLB Pitcher in 2026
The highest paid pitcher in MLB in 2026 is Shohei Ohtani. He earns $70 million per year. Ohtani is unique because he is both a pitcher and a hitter (designated hitter). This dual role and his exceptional performance make his contract the largest among pitchers in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani Contract & Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shohei Ohtani |
| Team | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Position | Pitcher / Designated Hitter |
| Contract Value | $700 million |
| Contract Length | 10 years |
| Average Annual Salary | $70 million |
| Contract Start | 2024 |
| Contract End | 2033 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| MLB Debut | 2018 |
This contract is the largest in MLB history. Most of the money is deferred, but his average annual value still makes him the highest paid pitcher.
Why Ohtani Is Paid Most
- Ohtani is one of the best players in MLB.
- He can pitch at an elite level and also hit like a star offensive player.
- His contract is bigger than all other pitchers because of his rare two-way ability.
- He has won multiple MVP awards and helps his team in multiple ways.
However, if we consider only pitchers who do not hit regularly, the highest paid pure pitcher is Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, earning around $42 million per year.
Highest Paid MLB Pitchers List (2026 Salaries)
This table shows the top paid pitchers in 2026 by annual salary. Salaries are average yearly amounts.
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Dodgers | $70,000,000 |
| 2 | Zack Wheeler | Philadelphia Phillies | $42,000,000 |
| 3 | Jacob deGrom | Texas Rangers | $38,000,000 |
| 4 | Gerrit Cole | New York Yankees | $36,000,000 |
| 5 | Dylan Cease | Toronto Blue Jays | $35,000,000 |
| 6 | Tyler Glasnow | Los Angeles Dodgers | $30,000,000 |
| 7 | Garrett Crochet | Boston Red Sox | $28,000,000 |
| 8 | Carlos Rodon | New York Yankees | $27,000,000 |
| 9 | Nathan Eovaldi | Texas Rangers | $25,000,000 |
| 9 | Robbie Ray | San Francisco Giants | $25,000,000 |
| 10 | Aaron Nola | Philadelphia Phillies | $24,571,428 |
This list shows the top pitchers earning the most money in MLB for 2026. Salaries are average annual values based on current contracts.
FAQs
Who is the highest paid MLB pitcher right now?
Shohei Ohtani is the highest paid MLB pitcher with an average salary of $70 million per year.
Is Shohei Ohtani only a pitcher?
No. He is both a pitcher and a hitter, which makes him unique in MLB.
Who is the highest paid pure pitcher in MLB?
Zack Wheeler is the highest paid pure pitcher, earning about $42 million per year.
Why is Ohtani’s contract so large?
Because he plays two positions at an elite level, increases team revenue, and attracts global fans.
Is Ohtani’s $700 million paid fully every year?
No. A large part of the money is deferred, but his average annual value is still the highest.