The 7 Richest MLB Figures

If you’re a sports fanatic, chances are you’ve heard of Major League Baseball. While the league is as well known as the best online casino, it’s also one of the most financially lucrative sporting leagues in the world due to its television revenue, ticket sales, and advertising deals. 

The MLB has made some of its star players — and front office executives — wealthy beyond most people’s wildest imaginations. Here are the seven Major League Baseball figures with the highest net worths.

Ryan Howard – $120 Million

Howard, a former American professional baseball player and first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, has an estimated net worth of $120 million. 

Howard made his debut in 2004 with the Phillies. In 2012, he signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the club and was named the captain for the 2013 season. He spent his entire 13-year career in Philadelphia before retiring soon after the 2016 season.

Miguel Cabrera – $125 Million

Cabrera is one of the wealthiest players in Major League Baseball thanks to his 10-year, $292 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Florida Marlins initially signed Cabrera as an amateur free agent in 1999. He made his MLB debut in 2003 and played for them through 2007 before being traded to Detroit.

Cabrera has won two AL MVP awards and one Triple Crown. He also led the league with 44 home runs in 2012, the year of his Triple Crown.

Albert Pujols – $170 Million

Many people thought Pujols would retire after the 2021 season, but the rumors didn’t stick. He returned in 2022 after signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he spent the first half of his career with. Pujols signed one of the richest contracts in MLB history after the 2011 season, agreeing to a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

Pujols is on his last legs, but the three-time MVP is in striking distance of becoming the fourth player to reach 700 career home runs.

Ichiro Suzuki – $180 Million

With a net worth of $180 million, Ichiro is one of the richest baseball players in the world. He was also one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball during his playing days.

Suzuki was born in Japan, but he became a star in America when he played for Seattle Mariners from 2001 to 2012. During his time with them, Ichiro won one American League Most Valuable Player Award and had ten straight seasons with at least 200 hits. He also led the league with 262 hits in 2004, which is still an MLB record.

Derek Jeter – $200 Million

Jeter’s net worth is estimated at $200 million by Forbes Magazine. He began his career as a shortstop for the New York Yankees in 1995 and donned the pinstripes every year until his retirement in 2014.

Jeter won five World Series championships and five Gold Glove awards during his time with the Yankees. Soon after, he became a part-owner of the Miami Marlins before selling his share after the 2021 season.

Alex Rodriguez – $350 Million

Rodriguez is a former professional baseball player and present-day businessman, amassing a net worth of $350 million. He is a three-time MVP who spent the majority of his 22-year career with the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez began his professional career with the Seattle Mariners, where he played from 1994 to 2000. He then signed with the Texas Rangers for a record $252 million over 10 years. After winning an MVP in 2003, he was traded to the Yankees, where he’d play until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure in New York, he signed a record-setting 10-year, $275 million extension.

Bud Selig – $400 million

Selig isn’t a former player, but rather the former commissioner of Major League Baseball. While his accomplishments weren’t like the others on this list, Selig has a net worth of $400 million today.

Selig became the acting commissioner in 1992 before having the “acting” label removed in 1998. During his tenure, he oversaw massive financial growth and the additions of competitive changes like the Wild Card and interleague play. Now 87, he retired after the 2014 season and was replaced by Rob Manfred.