When it comes to MLB records, one that often gets mentioned is the “contract record.” This refers to the largest contract ever awarded to a player in MLB history. While there have been numerous high-profile contracts over the years, there are a few that stand out as particularly impressive.

At the top of the list is the 13-year, $330 million deal signed by Giancarlo Stanton in 2014 with the Miami Marlins (now the Miami Marlins). At the time, it was the largest contract in North American sports history. However, Stanton`s contract isn`t just noteworthy for its size – it`s also been a controversial deal due to the Marlins` subsequent dismantling of their team, leading to a trade that sent Stanton to the New York Yankees in 2017.

The second-largest contract in MLB history belongs to Bryce Harper, who signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. Like Stanton, Harper`s contract has its detractors, with some arguing that the Phillies overpaid for a player whose performance has been inconsistent in recent years.

Another player with a massive contract is Mike Trout, who signed a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019. Trout is widely considered one of the best players in the game, and his contract reflects that – he`s currently the highest-paid player in MLB history.

While these contracts are certainly eye-popping, it`s worth noting that they don`t always lead to success on the field. The Marlins, for example, have yet to make the playoffs since signing Stanton to his record-breaking deal. Additionally, some teams have been hesitant to sign players to long-term, high-dollar contracts due to the risk of injury or declining performance.

That being said, the contract record is still a useful way to gauge the value that teams place on their star players. As the league continues to evolve and salaries continue to rise, it`s likely that we`ll see even more massive contracts in the years to come.