Fansided

30 highest career MLB salaries

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) waves to the fans after playing his final game as a Yankee against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) waves to the fans after playing his final game as a Yankee against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants advisor Barry Bonds (25) sits in the dugout before a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants advisor Barry Bonds (25) sits in the dugout before a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Barry Bonds, $185,245,322

The most prolific power hitter in MLB history also racked up a huge salary on his journey to a record 762 home runs.

Bonds began his career with the Pirates in 1986 at the age of 21 and instantly became one of the best all-around players in the Majors. After seven seasons in Pittsburgh that included a pair of MVP nods, Bonds signed a then-record with the Giants for $43.75 million over six years heading into 1993.

Another MVP nod followed in Bonds’ first year in San Francisco thanks to an eye-popping 193 wRC+ and 10.5 WAR. Bonds smashed a record 73 home runs in 2001 as he once again entered free agency, helping him garner a five-year, $90 million contract with the Giants.

With one year remaining on the deal, Bonds became the highest paid player ever in baseball, although he would quickly be passed by a number of others. Bonds was still posting wRC+ marks in the 150 range in his 40s, and earned another $15.8 million in his final season in 2007.

While Bonds had a chance to top the $200 million plateau the next year, although no team ended up signing him in what he considered a case of collusion by MLB.

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