The 34 highest-paid players in baseball

• 34 MLB players will make $20 million or more this season.
• The top-spending teams separate themselves from the pack, with the Cubs, Red Sox, and Yankees responsible for 11 of the 34 highest-paid players in baseball.
• Thanks to the monster deals signed by Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, both players are set to clear the $20 million mark for the next decade.

When it comes to contracts in American sports, Major League Baseball reigns supreme.

In 2019, thanks in part to the monster deals just signed by Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, an impressive 34 players will make at least $20 million in total earnings.

This year, the Red Sox and Cubs lead the way, with both teams paying four players at least $20 million for their services in 2019. The Yankees are just behind them with three players crossing the $20 million threshold, followed by the Phillies, Padres, Braves, Rockies, Giants, Tigers, and Angels with two apiece.

Take a look below at the highest-paid players in baseball for the 2019 season.

Salaries and contract information via spotrac.com.

t27. Yadier Molina — $20 million

Team: St. Louis Cardinals

Position: Catcher

2018 WAR: 1.8 wins

Contract: 3 years, $60 million (through 2020)

One thing to know: Molina has been with the Cardinals for his entire professional career, making his major league debut in 2004. He's won an impressive nine Golden Glove awards through his 15 seasons in St. Louis.

t27. Alex Gordon — $20 million

Team: Kansas City Royals

Position: Outfielder

2018 WAR: 2.4 wins

Contract: 4 years, $72 million (through 2019, with a $23 million mutual option for 2020)

One thing to know: Entering the final year of his contract at 35 years old, Gordon will be trying for a massive year in hopes of landing another deal.

t27. Justin Verlander — $20 million

Team: Houston Astros

Position: Starting pitcher

2018 WAR: 6.3 wins

Contract: 7 years, $180 million (through 2019)

One thing to know: Justin Verlander recently said he hopes to pitch until he's 45 years old. Part of that might be posturing for his next contract, but it's also a tough claim to deny, given he's been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball for more than a decade.

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