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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Apr 15, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. CC Sabathia, $242,357,142

As expected, the top three earners in MLB history spent extended periods of time in their careers with the Yankees, starting with Sabathia.

Orginially a member of the Cleveland Indians, Sabathia debuted as the youngest player in the Majors in 2001 at age 20 but took a few years to really get going. Sabathia’s breakout campaign came in 2006, and he won the AL Cy Young the next year while earning just over $8 million annually on a two-year extension.

An incredible run in the second half of the 2008 season with the Brewers set Sabathia up for a huge pay day in free agency. The Yankees signed Sabathia to a seven-year. $161 million deal that December, helping him become the highest paid pitcher ever as things stand.

Sabathia helped the Yankees win the World Series in his first season and has finished fourth or better in the Cy Young voting four separate times. The Yankees tacked on a $25 million extension with an option for 2017 that ended up vesting, as Sabathia turned in a solid 2016 campaign and didn’t spend an extended amount of time on the DL.

The 36-year-old has been strong so far in 2017 and will likely get another offer next season if he manages at least a decent campaign.

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