In November 2014, Giancarlo Stanton signed the longest contract ever handed to a hitter in Major League Baseball history: 13 years and $325 million guaranteed with the Miami Marlins. At the time, it was the largest deal in North American professional sports. The Marlins traded him to the Yankees in 2017, but Stanton is still collecting under that original structure — including a $29 million salary in 2026.
Contract at a Glance
- Team: Miami Marlins
- Signed: November 19, 2014
- Length: 13 years
- Seasons covered: 2015–2027
- Total guaranteed value: $325 million
- Average annual value: $25 million
- 2026 salary: $29 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The $325 million is spread across 13 seasons, averaging $25 million per year — though the payments aren’t uniform. By 2026, Stanton earns $29 million, reflecting how the contract escalates toward its final years. Every dollar is fully guaranteed, meaning he gets paid regardless of injuries, performance, or which uniform he’s wearing.
What makes this deal genuinely unusual is its sheer length. Stanton was just 25 years old when he signed it. The Marlins were betting on a decade-plus of production from one of the most powerful hitters in the game, with no opt-out protection for the club if things went sideways.
The Fine Print
Stanton held a player opt-out after the 2020 season — right in the middle of the pandemic, when the free-agent market had cratered. He chose not to use it, keeping the $218 million remaining on the books. The contract also includes a full no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any deal. On top of that, there’s a team option for 2028, leaving the door open beyond the original agreement.
Where Stanton Ranks Among the Best-Paid in Baseball
- All-time MLB contracts by total value: No. 13
- Among position players only: No. 12
- 2026 season salary ranking: No. 20
- Career earnings all-time: No. 13
Rankings based on total guaranteed value, deferred money not discounted. Data from Spotrac and Baseball-Reference as of August 11, 2026.
His $29 million salary in 2026 ranks 20th league-wide that season — a sign that more recent megadeals have pushed past his annual figures, even if the overall contract remains one of the biggest ever signed.
How He Got Here
Stanton reached the majors in 2010 without any significant long-term deal on his résumé. The Marlins contract in 2014 was his first big one, coming after just four years in the big leagues — but he was already established as one of the most dangerous power hitters in the sport. It vaulted him into the salary elite before his 26th birthday.
Through the 2026 season, Stanton has collected $263 million in career earnings, placing him among the highest-paid players in MLB history. His résumé includes an NL MVP in 2017 and an ALCS MVP in 2024, though injuries have been a persistent factor that limited his availability across multiple stretches of his career.
Why This Contract Still Gets Talked About
- It’s the longest contract ever signed by a hitter in MLB — 13 years, running through 2027, with Stanton turning 37 in 2026.
- He passed on his 2020 opt-out and held onto $218 million during a collapsed market.
- Two major awards — MVP and ALCS MVP — but also repeated stints on the injured list that kept him off the field.
Career earnings reflect MLB base salary, signing bonuses, and earned bonuses through 2026. Endorsements and non-MLB income not included.
