Fansided

15 most expensive contracts in MLB history and how they turned out

By Michael Fisher

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Mookie Betts, Dodgers, Red Sox
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 14: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning during the opening series at Dodger Stadium on April 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. MLB contracts: Mookie Betts, LAD – $365M/12 years

When Mookie Betts arrived in Los Angeles, his new team rewarded him with one of the most expensive MLB contracts ever signed, before he had even played a game or won a World Series with them.

Signed before Opening Day in 2020, Betts’ 12-year, $365M extension with the Dodgers will take him through his age-39 season in 2032.

While the team hasn’t experienced the same postseason success with Betts under his new contract, they have reached the playoffs in both years.

The two-time World Series champion earned an All-Star nod in 2021 but only played 122 games while dealing with hip problems. 2022 was more of a Betts-like performance. He made his sixth All-Star appearance, won his sixth Gold Glove and fifth Silver Slugger, and finished fifth in MVP voting.

The Dodgers had the preeminent offense in the majors last year, with Betts as the catalyst from the lead-off spot. They dominated with 847 runs scored, 40 more than the second-place team, and drove in 812 runs, 48 more than the runner-up.

Through 142 contests, Betts slashed .269/.340/.533 while crossing the plate 117 times himself. The former MVP added 82 RBI and 35 home runs for good measure.

He’s only stolen 32 bases in total in his time with the Dodgers, but with the new rules and slightly weaker lineup behind him this season, the Dodgers might ask the 30-year-old Betts to run more often.

While so far so good, it remains to be seen how Betts ages through his 30s and if he can help the Dodgers win another World Series as he plays out the remaining 10 years of the contract.

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