10. Joe Mauer, $195,025,000
With one full year remaining on his huge deal with the Twins, Mauer earns a spot in the top 10 and will finish his career north of the $200 million mark.
Rather than pursue an NFL career on a football scholarship to play quarterback for Florida State, Mauer entered the MLB draft and was selected first overall in 2001. Minnesota traded catcher A.J. Pierzynski at the 2004 deadline, allowing Mauer to get his first chance at playing time while instantly emerging as a star.
The Twins avoided arbitration with Mauer on a four-year $33 million extension prior to the 2007 season. Mauer provided terrific value on the contract by winning the 2009 AL MVP with a 170 wRC+ and 7.6 WAR.
Minnesota wasn’t going to let its hometown hero hit free agency, and inked Mauer to an eight-year, $184 million deal in 2010, the richest contract ever for a catcher. Mauer turned in three strong seasons at the beginning of the contract, but has since fallen off while struggling through injuries.
At just 34 years of age, Mauer could potentially earn more following the 2018 season, although he will have to perform better tat the plate this season.