ThePhiladelphia Philliesmade it a priority to make sure that aceZack Wheelerwasn't going to hit free agency. So before the 2024 season, thePhilliesand Wheeler agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract extension − the highest annual average salary in a contract extension in baseball history. His $42 million salary in 2025 ranks second to outfielder Juan Soto of theNew York Mets($61.9 million). We must note that two-way player Shohei Ohtani, who agreed to a historic10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgersbefore the 2024 season, will average $70 million per year. But because of his heavily deferred deal, he will make much less than that in present-day value. (In present-day value calculated by MLB) 1 - Zack Wheeler, Phillies − $42,000,000 2 - Jacob deGrom, Rangers − $40,000,000 3 - Gerrit Cole, Yankees − $36,000,000 4 - Corbin Burnes,Diamondbacks− $30,791,435 5 - Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers − $30,000,000 6 - Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers − $28,213,523 7 - Carlos Rodon, Yankees − $27,833,333 8 - Blake Snell, Dodgers − $26,825,953 T-9 - Sonny Gray, Cardinals − $25,000,000 T-9 - Jack Flaherty, Tigers − $25,000,000 T-9 - Robbie Ray, Giants − $25,000,000 12 - Aaron Nola, Phillies − $24,571,428 13 - Luis Castillo, Mariners − $24,150,000 14 - Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays − $23,000,000 15 - Jordan Montgomery, Diamondbacks − $22,500,000 T-16 - Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays − $22,000,000 T-16 - Chris Sale,Braves− $22,000,000 18 - Pablo Lopez, Twins − $21,750,000 19 - Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers − $21,534,832 20 - Nick Martinez, Reds − $21,050,000 2025 MLB SALARIES:Database of every player who made the Opening Day roster The figures, compiled by USA TODAY, are calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department of the present-day value of contracts including deferrals and signing bonuses. The figures by MLB and distributed to all teams are intended to reflect the cash obligations in any given year. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Highest-paid MLB starting pitchers in 2025: Top salaries
