#mlb-contracts

#mlb-contracts

On Jan. 17, 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced a seven-year, $215 million extension with franchise cornerstone Clayton Kershaw, giving him the largest contract in the organization's history at the time. The Dodgers were able to come to an agreement with Kershaw one year before he would have been eligible for free agency. Kershaw's new contract with the Dodgers not only made him the highest paid pitcher in MLB at the time, but it was also the highest-ever annual salary for a baseball player at $30.7 million per year.

Framber Valdez, 32, SP, 3.8, 18.8: Valdez was impressively consistent for the Astros and should be able to choose between several multi-year offers. His age works against a long-term deal, but Sportrac estimated his AAV at $33.3 million, easily the highest among free-agent pitchers. Ranger Suárez, 30, SP, 4.7, 18.1: The left-handed Suárez is younger than most other free-agent starters and is coming off an excellent season. He has a 1.48 ERA over 11 postseason appearances.

They still have another major move to make, and a recent report is taking viewers behind the curtain regarding Bo Bichette's contract demands. This report is providing some clarity regarding the slow-moving nature of his market. MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Bichette is "thought" to be seeking a free-agent contract around $300 million. If true, that would be an enormous ask from Bichette's representatives just as his market starts heating up.

Díaz had already received two contract offers -- one of three years from the Los Angeles Dodgers and another of five years from the Atlanta Braves. Díaz, though miffed by the Mets not alerting him before signing free agent reliever Devin Williams a few days before, still wanted to wait for an offer from his longtime team, sources told ESPN.

This time, the club agreed to a three-year, $45M contract with closer Robert Suarez. He will make $13M in 2026 and $16M in each of his remaining years. Previously with the San Diego Padres, 34-year-old Suarez put together what was arguably the best season of his career. In 2025, he managed a 2.97 ERA through 69.2 frames. He turned in 40 saves in 45 chances and recorded 9.69 strikeouts per nine innings. He's got 77 career saves to accompany his 219 strikeouts.

Hernández re-signed with the Dodgers last offseason on a three-year, $66 million contract to end what became a drawn-out free agency process. His deal included a $23 million signing bonus, $23.5 million in deferred salary, $15 million team option for the 2028 season or $6.5 million buyout. Thus, Hernández can earn a total of $81 million under his Dodgers contract.

Entering the offseason, two of the Cardinals' three pricey veterans - and Nolan Arenado - made clear that they were more willing to waive their no-trade clause this winter than they were last. Gray said he'd "definitely" consider the possibility after chatting with new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom about the team's direction. He's already been shipped to the Red Sox.

The White Sox have signed outfielder Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal, reflecting typical movement within veteran contracts in Major League Baseball.