MLB Rookie Contract Shatters Record, Exceeds $10 Million for First Time

Robert Zelenksy has made history in Major League Baseball by signing the first-ever rookie contract worth over $10 million. The shortstop, selected as the first overall pick in the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox, inked a deal worth $10.35 million (approximately 15.4 billion Korean won).

Zelenksy, a standout player from UCLA, was widely considered the top college shortstop in the United States. During his three years with the Bruins, he played in 178 games, boasting a .329 batting average, 52 home runs, and 167 RBIs. His collegiate performance solidified his status as a premier prospect.

This landmark deal eclipses the previous record for a rookie contract, which was $9.25 million. That figure was received by Chase Burns and Charlie Condon in the 2024 draft. In contrast, the first overall pick in that same draft, Travis Bazzana, signed for $8.95 million, expressing a strong desire to join his childhood team quickly.

The new contract for Zelenksy also highlights a significant difference in rookie compensation compared to other professional baseball leagues. In the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the highest rookie contract on record is 1 billion won (approximately $800,000 USD), signed by Han Ki-joo in 2006. In Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), former Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe received 1 billion yen (about $9.2 million USD) upon joining the team in 2001, a deal that exceeded the league's then-stipulated cap.

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I want to be a player for the team I've cheered for since I was young as soon as possible.