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TODAY: Monday, May 15
History of highest-paid players


The evolution of baseball's highest-paid players since Kirby Puckett become the first $3 million player. Salaries listed are average annual values for multi-year deals.

Show me the money
Date Player Team Salary
Nov. 22, 1989 Kirby Puckett Twins $3,000,000
Nov. 28, 1989 Rickey Henderson Athletics $3,000,000
Dec. 1, 1989 Mark Langston Angels $3,250,000
Dec. 11, 1989 Mark Davis Royals $3,250,000
Jan. 17, 1990 Dave Stewart Athletics $3,550,000
Jan. 22, 1990 Will Clark Giants $3,750,000
April 9, 1990 Don Mattingly Yankees $3,860,000
June 27, 1990 Jose Canseco Athletics $4,700,000
Feb. 8, 1991 Roger Clemens Red Sox $5,380,250
Dec. 2, 1991 Bobby Bonilla Mets $5,800,000
March 2, 1992 Ryne Sandberg Cubs $7,100,000
Dec. 8, 1992 Barry Bonds Giants $7,291,666
Jan. 31, 1996 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners $8,500,000
Nov. 19, 1996 Albert Belle White Sox $11,000,000
Feb. 20, 1997 Barry Bonds Giants $11,450,000
Aug. 10, 1997 Greg Maddux Braves $11,500,000
Dec. 12, 1997 Pedro Martinez Red Sox $12,500,000
Oct. 26, 1998 Mike Piazza Mets $13,000,000
Nov. 15, 1998 Mo Vaughn Angels $13,333,333
Dec. 12, 1998 Kevin Brown Dodgers $15,000,000

Sources: Baseball America 1999 Almanac and ESPN.com research.
 

ALSO SEE
Highest baseball salaries