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Who is the highest-paid MLB first baseman? Dodgers' Freddie Freeman gets top spot

scott boeck, usa today
·2 min read
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Freddie Freeman, the five-time All-Star who had spent his entire 12-year career with the Atlanta Braves, found a more lucrative destination in 2022, months after leading Atlanta to its first championship since 1995. Freeman, spurned by the Braves, signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers and remains the game's highest-paid first baseman.

Freeman debuted for the Braves as a 20-year-old in 2010 and has been one of baseball's most consistent sluggers over the past decade. In 2021, Freeman batted .304 with five homers and 11 RBI in 16 postseason games. That came in the final season of an eight-year, $135 million contract Freeman signed two seasons into his career.

Who are the highest-paid MLB first basemen in 2023?

Here's the top 10:

1. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis, $25,333,333 2. Freddie Freeman, L.A. Dodgers, $25,290,6743. Joey Votto, Cincinnati, $25,000,0004. Matt Olson, Atlanta, $21,000,0005. José Abreu, Houston, $19,500,0006. Anthony Rizzo, N.Y. Yankees, $17,000,000T-7. Pete Alonso, N.Y. Mets, $14,500,000T-7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto, $14,500,0009. Eric Hosmer, Chicago Cubs, $13,000,00010. Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia, $12,000,000

Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz was elected to start by the fans in the All-Star Game in 2023.
Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz was elected to start by the fans in the All-Star Game in 2023.

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What are the biggest contracts ever for a first baseman in MLB?

Here's the list, by total value:

1. Miguel Cabrera, $248,000,000 (2016-23) 2. Albert Pujols, $240,000,000 (2012-21) 3. Joey Votto, $225,000,000 (2014-23)4. Prince Fielder, $214,000,000 (2012-20)5. Mark Teixeira, $180,000,000 (2009-16)6. Matt Olson, $168,000,000 (2022-29)7. Freddie Freeman, $162,000,000 (2022-27)8. Chris Davis, $161,000,000 (2016-22)9. Adrian Gonzalez, $154,000,000 (2012-18)10. Miguel Cabrera, $152,300,000 (2008-15)

Source: USA TODAY Sports, Cot's Baseball Contracts

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest-paid MLB first basemen: Biggest 1B salaries for 2023 season