Advertisement

Who is the highest-paid MLB designated hitter? Tigers' Miguel Cabrera leads list in final year

Miguel Cabrera is entering the final year of his $248 million contract.

Eight years later, his deal still ranks among the best-ever.

Before the 2014 season, the future Hall of Famer and Detroit Tigers slugger agreed to an eight-year contract extension. He had two years and $44 million remaining on his contract, and the extension would begin after the 2015 season, giving Cabrera a total commitment of $292 million. Cabrera was a first baseman when he signed the monster extension, but has been utilized primarily as a designated hitter the past few years.

Cabrera's $31 million average annual value during the period of his extension at the time trumped Clayton Kershaw's record of $30.7 million.

Who are the highest-paid MLB designated hitters in 2023?

Here's the top 10:

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit, $32,000,000

2. Giancarlo Stanton, N.Y. Yankees, $32,000,000

3. Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels, $30,000,000

4. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia, $20,000,000

5. Josh Bell, Cleveland, $16,500,000

T-6. Charlie Blackmon, Colorado, $15,000,000

T-6. Jorge Soler, Miami, $15,000,000

7 J.D. Martinez, L.A. Dodgers, $10,000,000

8. Brandon Belt, Toronto, $9,300,000

9. Yordan Alvarez, Houston, $7,833,333

10. Matt Carpenter, San Diego, $6,500,000

2023 MLB SALARIES: Database of every player on the opening day roster

Who is highest-paid MLB player at each position in 2023?

Catcher First baseman | Second baseman | Third baseman | Shortstop | Outfielder | Starting pitcher | Relief pitcher 

MLB WIN TOTALS: Predicting every team's record for the new season

WHO'S NEXT? MLB's 100 Names You Need To Know For 2023

Miguel Cabrera signed an eight-year, $248 million deal with the Tigers in 2016.
Miguel Cabrera signed an eight-year, $248 million deal with the Tigers in 2016.

Source: USA TODAY Sports, Cot's Baseball Contracts

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest-paid MLB designated hitter: Biggest salaries for 2023 season