A new ranking of the 20 largest contracts ever signed by Major League Baseball pitchers highlights the escalating value of elite arms, with Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal projected to surpass the current record.
The list, compiled by USA TODAY Sports columnist Jesse Yomtov on November 6, 2026, traces the evolution of pitcher salaries from historic deals to the present day. Skubal, who has emerged as one of the game's most dominant starters, is widely expected to command a contract that would top the existing benchmark.
While the full details of each contract are not disclosed in this summary, the analysis underscores the premium teams place on frontline starting pitching in the modern era.
