Cole is starting the second season of a $324 million, nine-year contract, the largest deal among pitchers. The average Major League Baseball salary dropped for an unprecedented third straight year, even before the shortened season caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The players’ association calculated the 2020 average would have been $3.89 million if a full season had been played. Because the pandemic caused players to receive roughly 37% of pay last year, the actual average plunged to $1.59 million, its lowest since 1998. Betts’ deal is second behind outfielder Mike Trout’s $426.5 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

Source: Fox News February 18, 2021 23:03 UTC