MLB’s Highest-Paid Shortstops: A Deeper Dive into 2025 Salaries
The shortstop position, a cornerstone of any successful baseball team, is also home to some of the sport’s highest-paid athletes. While names like Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager often dominate discussions about lucrative contracts, a closer examination of 2025 salaries reveals a surprising twist: Carlos Correa, the Minnesota Twins’ star, will be the highest-paid shortstop in the league next year, surpassing even Lindor’s substantial earnings.
This revelation stems from a nuanced understanding of contract structures, deferred payments, and signing bonuses. While Lindor boasts the highest average annual value (AAV) for his contract at $34.1 million, his actual cash earnings in 2025 will be $32.47 million. This places him third among shortstops, trailing not only Correa but also Seager of the Texas Rangers, who will earn $32.5 million.
Correa’s ascent to the top spot is primarily due to the specific structure of his six-year, $200 million contract with the Twins, signed in January 2023. This agreement, reached after a previously negotiated deal with the New York Mets fell apart due to concerns over a pre-existing leg injury, is designed to provide Correa with a significant payout in the coming seasons. The timing of the deal, along with the contract parameters, gives Correa the edge in 2025 salary earnings.
It is crucial to note that the salary figures cited are calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department, reflecting the present-day value of contracts, including deferrals and signing bonuses. These figures, compiled by USA TODAY, are distributed to all teams and are intended to accurately represent the cash obligations for each year of a player’s contract. This comprehensive approach provides a more precise picture of a player’s actual earnings than simply relying on the AAV.
The contrast between AAV and actual yearly earnings highlights the complexities of modern MLB contracts. AAV provides a convenient summary of a contract’s overall value, but it does not always reflect the real-time financial impact on a team’s payroll or a player’s bank account. Deferred payments, a common feature in many high-value contracts, can significantly skew the relationship between AAV and annual salary. Players may agree to defer a portion of their earnings to future years, providing teams with immediate financial flexibility while potentially benefiting from tax advantages or investment opportunities.
Signing bonuses, another key component of player contracts, are typically paid upfront and can impact a player’s early-year earnings. However, their effect on annual salary can diminish over time as the bonus is amortized across the contract’s duration. This demonstrates that a team’s payroll management is a complex task that requires teams to think about cash flow and tax advantages to create a competitive roster.
Correa’s journey to the top of the shortstop salary list is also intertwined with the circumstances surrounding his free agency in 2022. Initially, he agreed to a substantial deal with the San Francisco Giants, but that agreement collapsed due to concerns raised during his physical examination. A subsequent deal with the Mets also fell through for similar reasons, ultimately leading him back to the Twins. The injury concerns undoubtedly influenced the structure of his contract, potentially leading to a higher upfront payout to compensate for the perceived risk.
The implications of these high-value shortstop contracts extend beyond individual player earnings. They also have a significant impact on team payrolls, competitive balance, and the overall economics of MLB. Teams must carefully weigh the potential benefits of acquiring a star shortstop against the financial burden of a long-term, high-value contract. The rising salaries of elite players have fueled debates about revenue sharing, luxury taxes, and the ability of smaller-market teams to compete with wealthier franchises.
Furthermore, the performance of these highly paid shortstops will be under intense scrutiny. Correa, Lindor, and Seager are expected to be not only exceptional defenders but also offensive powerhouses. Any perceived underperformance will inevitably lead to criticism and questions about the value of their contracts. The pressure to justify these substantial salaries is immense, adding another layer of complexity to their roles as team leaders.
Beyond the top three, the shortstop market remains robust, with numerous other players earning significant salaries. Xander Bogaerts of the San Diego Padres, Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Dansby Swanson of the Chicago Cubs are among the other highly compensated shortstops in the league. The depth of talent at the position, combined with the increasing demand for offensive production and defensive excellence, has driven up salaries across the board.
In conclusion, while Francisco Lindor’s AAV may position him as the highest-paid shortstop in MLB, Carlos Correa will claim the top spot in 2025 based on actual cash earnings. This distinction underscores the importance of analyzing contract structures, deferred payments, and signing bonuses to gain a comprehensive understanding of player compensation. The lucrative contracts of Correa, Lindor, Seager, and other elite shortstops reflect the value placed on their contributions to their respective teams and have broader implications for the economics of MLB. As these players continue to perform on the field, their performance will be closely monitored to determine whether their substantial salaries are justified and whether it brings a World Series trophy.
