Highest-paid MLB relief pitchers and closers for 2025: Top salaries

Josh Hader, a five-time All-Star and three-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award winner, came up just short of breaking the record for the largest contract for a relief pitcher.

Instead, he will settle for being the highest-paid reliever in 2025.

Hader and the Houston Astros agreed to a $95 million deal over the winter. Edwin Diaz's $102 million deal with the New York Mets still stands as the biggest contract ever given to a reliever.

Hader's deal will pay him $19 million this season. Diaz will earn $18.3 million in present-day value because of deferred payments.

Hader's deal with Houston also includes a full no-trade clause with no money deferred and a $1 million bonus if he wins the Mariano Rivera Award as the AL's best relief pitcher.

C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | DH | SP | RP

Who are the highest-paid MLB relief pitchers in 2025?

(In present-day value calculated by MLB)

1. Josh Hader, Astros:  $19,000,000
2. Edwin Diaz, Mets: $18,331,014
3. Raisel Iglesias, Braves: $16,000,000
4. Ryan Pressly, Cubs: $14,100,000 
5. Kirby Yates, Dodgers: $13,000,000 
6. Tanner Scott, Dodgers:  $ 12,141,009
7. Taylor Rogers, Reds:  $12,000,000
8. Rafael Montero, Astros: $11,500,000 
9. A.J. Minter, Mets: $11,000,000
10. Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox: $10,750,000

The figures, compiled by USA TODAY, are calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department of the present-day value of contracts including deferrals and signing bonuses.

The figures by MLB and distributed to all teams are intended to reflect the cash obligations in any given year.