Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2025 is witnessing unprecedented growth, with player salaries and contracts reaching historic highs. The league's financial landscape is evolving rapidly, shining a spotlight on both star hitters and elite pitchers. In this article, we delve into the biggest earners, record-breaking deals, and the latest trends in MLB contracts.
The 2025 MLB season stands out for its jaw-dropping player contracts. Juan Soto of the New York Mets leads the financial charge. His 15-year, $765 million deal, signed in December, is not only the largest in baseball but also in all professional sports history. For 2025 alone, Soto will earn $61.88 million, without any deferred money, thanks to a significant $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out after five years. This contract sets a new benchmark across the MLB and has set the bar for future negotiations (full details here).
Shohei Ohtani, a superstar with the Los Angeles Dodgers, also secured a massive, albeit heavily deferred, 10-year, $700 million contract. However, due to these deferrals, Ohtani's present-day 2025 salary ranks him 18th among MLB players—emphasizing the importance of contract structure in salary rankings.
Soto’s record deal dominates, but he is joined by other household names. Some of the highest-paid players by present-day value in 2025 include:
A full rundown of the league’s salary landscape illustrates the tremendous earning power and star appeal found throughout MLB (comprehensive list).
Pitchers, often pivotal to a team's success, are also securing major paydays. Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies leads all MLB pitchers in 2025 with a guaranteed $42 million. His contract, a three-year, $126 million extension, underscores the emphasis teams place on elite starting pitching.
Other pitchers among the top earners include:
Find the full breakdown of highest-paid MLB pitchers for the 2025 season (more info).
MLB's financial growth isn’t limited to local headlines. Juan Soto has ascended to seventh on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes worldwide, with total earnings of $114 million. Soto surpasses global icons in both soccer and basketball, demonstrating MLB's potent earning potential. Endorsement deals with brands like Celsius and international companies further extend his influence beyond the baseball diamond (explore the global ranking).
With fresh records set in 2025, MLB appears poised for continued financial growth. As teams secure talent with lucrative, lasting contracts, the league’s salary structure will likely reshape the broader sports business landscape. Whether you’re a baseball fan, player, or industry observer, keeping an eye on these trends will offer exciting insights into MLB’s future.
Stay informed on the latest MLB salaries and player rankings to understand how America’s pastime continues to set new standards—on and off the field.