Juan Soto Holds Title of Highest-Paid MLB Player in 2025

Juan Soto's groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets has cemented his place at the top of the MLB's salary hierarchy for 2025. The contract, the largest in professional sports history, will see Soto earn $61.88 million next year, making him the undisputed highest-paid player in baseball.

Unlike some other high-profile contracts, Soto's deal is notable for its lack of deferred money. It includes a substantial $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the fifth year, giving Soto flexibility and control over his future.

The figures provided reflect the present-day value of contracts, accounting for deferrals and signing bonuses as calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department and distributed to all teams. This ensures an accurate representation of cash obligations for each year.

While Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines, its structure significantly impacts his actual earnings in the near term. Ohtani is deferring $68 million of his $70 million annual salary, reducing his present-day value to $28 million.

This deferral drops Ohtani to the 18th highest-paid player in baseball for 2025, according to MLB's calculations. It showcases how contract structuring can greatly influence a player's immediate financial standing despite the overall magnitude of the deal.

Behind Soto, a list of baseball's other top earners emerges, reflecting the escalating salaries and long-term commitments that define modern MLB contracts. Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies comes in at number two with $42 million.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers are tied for third, each earning $40 million. This group highlights the financial stakes involved in acquiring and retaining top-tier talent in Major League Baseball.

The list continues with Anthony Rendon, Carlos Correa, Mike Trout, and Gerrit Cole, solidifying their spots as some of the highest-compensated players in the league. These figures reflect not just talent, but also strategic investments by teams aiming for sustained success.

The landscape of MLB salaries is constantly evolving, with players like Jose Altuve, Corey Seager, and Francisco Lindor also ranking among the top earners. As teams continue to compete for championships, these lucrative contracts are a testament to the value placed on elite performance.