Scott Boeck

2 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Scott Boeck

In December, he agreed to a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, the largest deal in professional sports history. His salary in 2025 will be $61.88 million, easily making him the highest-paid player in baseball. The deal also didn't include a penny of deferred money with a $75 million signing bonus, along with an opt-out after the fifth year.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Scott Boeck

The Philadelphia Phillies made it a priority to make sure that ace Zack Wheeler wasn’t going to hit free agency. So before the 2024 season, the Phillies and Wheeler agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract extension − the highest annual average salary in a contract extension in baseball history. His $42 million salary in 2025 ranks second to outfielder Juan Soto of the New York Mets ($61.9 million).

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Scott Boeck

Ronald Acuña Jr. apologized to Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and his teammates for accusing the skipper of having a double standard in a social media post earlier this season. The 2023 NL MVP, who is working his way back from ACL surgery, addressed the team in Atlanta on May 14. “(I) just (want to) apologize and ask for (Braves manager Brian Snitker’s) forgiveness for what I posted and for being a distraction,” said Acuña through an interpreter. “Just wanted to clear the air and move on.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Scott Boeck

Josh Hader, a five-time All-Star and three-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award winner, came up just short of breaking the record for the largest contract for a relief pitcher. Instead, he will settle for being the highest-paid reliever in 2025. Hader and the Houston Astros agreed to a $95 million deal over the winter. Edwin Diaz's $102 million deal with the New York Mets still stands as the biggest contract ever given to a reliever. Hader's deal will pay him $19 million this season.

3 weeks ago | news-journalonline.com | Scott Boeck

Josh Hader, a five-time All-Star and three-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award winner, came up just short of breaking the record for the largest contract for a relief pitcher. Instead, he will settle for being the highest-paid reliever in 2025. Hader and the Houston Astros agreed to a $95 million deal over the winter. Edwin Diaz's $102 million deal with the New York Mets still stands as the biggest contract ever given to a reliever. Hader's deal will pay him $19 million this season.