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MLB's Highest-Paid Third Basemen in 2026
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MLB's Highest-Paid Third Basemen in 2026

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Scott Boeck  |  Last updated Dec 19, 2025 3:52 PM ET

Anthony Rendon's contract may be one of the worst in modern baseball history.

Coming off a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019, Rendon tested free agency and signed a monster contract with the Los Angeles Angels that December.

However, the seven-year, $245 million deal hasn't panned out for the Angels. The two-time Silver Slugger hasn’t played more than 58 games — none in 2025 — in any of his five seasons with the Angels because of injuries.

All told, Rendon has played in only 257 games for L.A. — with multiple stints on the injured list since 2021. The nightmare may be over soon. The Angels have discussed buying out the final year of his contract.

Here's a look at the highest-paid third basemen heading into the 2026 season, according to Spotrac.com (as of Dec. 17):

Highest-paid third basemen by 2026 salary

1. Anthony Rendon, Angels – $38,000,000 (7 years, $245,000,000)

2.Matt Chapman, Giants – $25,000,000 (6 years, $151,000,000)

3.Austin Riley, Braves – $22,000,000 (10 years, $212,000,000)

4.Carlos Correa, Astros – $21,500,000 (6 years, $200,000,000)

T-5.Manny Machado, Padres – $21,000,000 (11 years, $350,000,000)

T-5.Jose Ramirez, Guardians – $21,000,000 (7 years, $141,000,000)

T-7.Nolan Arenado, Cardinals – $16,000,000 (8 years, $260,000,000)

T-7.Ryan McMahon, Yankees – $16,000,000 (6 years, $70,000,000)

9.Ke'Bryan Hayes, Reds – $7,000,000 (8 years, $70,000,000)

10. Maikel Garcia, Royals - $5,300,000 (5 years $57,500,000)

Top remaining free agent third basemen

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

  • Alex Bregman (7.7 WAR)
  • Eugenio Suárez (7.6)
  • Paul DeJong (1.9)
  • Yoán Moncada (1.0)
  • Kiké Hernández (0.5)
  • Andy Ibáñez (1.1)
  • Luis Urías (0.3)
  • Gio Urshela (0.3)
  • Ildemaro Vargas (0.2)

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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