MLB's Highest-Paid First Baseman in 2026

Following seven productive years in Queens, Pete Alonso is getting a new start in Baltimore.

The 31-year-old slugger has agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles, according to ESPN. It makes him one of the highest-paid first basemen heading into the 2026 season.

Alonso's deal marks the second-largest in Orioles history. In 2016, the O's signed Chris Davis to a seven-year, $161 million contract.

The former New York Metsfirst baseman opted out of his contract right after the 2025 season, in which he slugged 38 homers. He has 264 home runs in his seven-year career.

Here's a look at the highest-paid first baseman heading into the 2026 season, according to Spotrac.com (as of Dec. 10):

Highest-paid first basemen by 2026 salary

1. Pete Alonso, Orioles – $31,000,000 (5 years, $155,000,000)
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays – $30,000,000 (14 years, $500,000,000)
3. Bryce Harper, Phillies – $26,000,000 (13 years, $330,000,000)
4. Rafael Devers, Giants – $25,000,000 (10 years, $313,500,000)
5. Matt Olson, Braves – $22,000,000 (8 years, $168,000,000)
6. Christian Walker, Astros – $20,000,000 (3 years, $60,000,000)
7. Willson Contreras, Cardinals – $18,000,000 (5 years, $87,500,000)
8. Josh Naylor, Mariners – $16,500,000 (5 years, $92,500,000)
9. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers – $15,000,000 (6 years, $162,000,000)
10. Jake Cronenworth, Padres – $12,000,000 (7 years, $80,000,000)
    Yandy Diaz, Rays – $12,000,000 (1 year, $12,000,000)

Top remaining free agent first basemen

These are the best remaining free agent first basemen on the MLB free agent market this offseason (ranked by 2025 WAR):

• Ryan O'Hearn (4.6 WAR)
• Carlos Santana (3.2)
• Nathaniel Lowe (2.6)
• Luis Arraez (2.0)
• Paul Goldschmidt (1.9)
• Rhys Hoskins (1.1)
• Justin Turner (0.9)
• Donovan Solano (0.7)
• Dominic Smith (0.6)
• Josh Bell (0.1)