Stanton Claims Top DH Salary Spot in 2025, Ohtani’s Deferrals Shift Landscape
Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees is set to enter the 2025 Major League Baseball season as the highest-paid designated hitter (DH), surpassing even the widely celebrated Shohei Ohtani. This revelation stems from Ohtani’s unique contract structure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a deal that, while historic in its overall value, incorporates significant salary deferrals.
Ohtani’s agreement with the Dodgers is a 10-year, $700 million contract, an unprecedented figure in baseball history. This translates to an average annual value of $70 million, a sum that would typically position him as the highest-paid player in the league. However, the specifics of the contract reveal a different reality for the 2025 season and beyond.
Ohtani is deferring a substantial portion of his annual salary – $68 million out of the $70 million – significantly reducing his present-day value. This deferral lowers his calculated salary for 2025 to $28,213,523 as assessed by the MLB Labor Relations Department. While Ohtani will eventually receive the full $700 million, the deferred payments impact his immediate earnings and his ranking among the highest-paid players in the league.
Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton is slated to earn $32 million in 2025. This puts him ahead of Ohtani on the list of highest-paid DHs and positions him as the highest-paid player overall for the 2025 season, based on present-day contract value. This is despite Stanton’s current absence from the Yankees’ lineup due to an injury that has kept him off the field for the early part of the season.
The implications of Ohtani’s contract deferrals extend beyond his individual earnings. They also affect his ranking among all MLB players. According to calculations by the MLB Labor Relations Department, Ohtani will be the 18th highest-paid player in baseball in 2025, when considering the present-day value of contracts.
This situation highlights the complexities of modern MLB contracts, where deferred payments and signing bonuses can significantly alter the financial landscape. While the total value of a contract may be staggering, the actual cash obligations in a given year can be markedly different.
The list of the top-paid DHs in MLB for 2025, as calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department, is a testament to this financial complexity:
- Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees − $32,000,000
- Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers − $28,213,523
- Kris Bryant, Rockies − $27,000,000
- Rafael Devers, Red Sox − $25,813,052
- Kyle Schwarber, Phillies − $20,000,000
- Joc Pederson, Rangers − $18,500,000
- Marcell Ozuna, Braves − $16,000,000
- Yordan Alvarez, Astros − $15,833,333
- Jorge Soler, Angels − $13,000,000
- Justin Turner, Cubs − $6,000,000
- Josh Bell, Nationals − $6,000,000
The figures compiled by USA TODAY reflect the present-day value of contracts, including deferrals and signing bonuses. These figures, distributed to all teams by MLB, are intended to accurately represent the cash obligations for each player in any given year.
The fact that players like Kris Bryant and Rafael Devers are among the top five highest-paid DHs speaks to the evolving role of the position in modern baseball. No longer relegated to aging veterans or defensively challenged players, the DH spot is now often filled by some of the game’s most potent hitters.
The significant salaries commanded by these players reflect their offensive contributions and their importance to their respective teams. The presence of players like Kyle Schwarber and Yordan Alvarez on the list further underscores the value placed on offensive prowess in the DH role.
The data presented also reveals a considerable drop-off in salary after the top few players. While the top DHs command salaries in the tens of millions, players further down the list earn significantly less. This disparity reflects the varying levels of offensive production and overall value provided by different DHs across the league.
The case of Ohtani’s contract and its impact on his 2025 salary highlights the importance of understanding the intricacies of player contracts in professional sports. While the headline figures often grab attention, the details of deferrals, bonuses, and other financial arrangements can significantly alter the true financial picture. This understanding is crucial for fans, analysts, and team executives alike when assessing player value and team payrolls. It also presents unique implications for luxury tax calculations and roster construction decisions.
For Stanton, the opportunity to claim the title of highest-paid DH in 2025 represents a significant achievement, even amidst his injury setback. It serves as a reminder of his offensive capabilities and the value the Yankees placed on him when they acquired him. His performance upon his return from injury will be closely watched, as he seeks to justify his high salary and contribute to the Yankees’ success.
The situation surrounding Ohtani’s contract also presents interesting long-term implications. The Dodgers have structured the deal in a way that allows them to manage their payroll effectively in the short term while securing the services of one of the game’s most exceptional talents for the next decade. How this strategy plays out in terms of their ability to compete for championships and attract other high-profile players remains to be seen.
The ongoing evolution of player contracts and the increasing use of deferrals and other financial mechanisms are likely to continue shaping the landscape of MLB in the years to come. The ability to navigate these complexities will be essential for teams seeking to maximize their resources and build competitive rosters. The case of Stanton and Ohtani in 2025 serves as a compelling example of the financial realities and strategic considerations that underpin the modern game.
