Baseball’s Highest-Paid Players 2025
By Forbes
Forbes Baseball's Highest Paid Players 2025: Summary
Key Concepts: Highest paid baseball players, single-season earnings, salary, signing bonus, endorsements, deferred compensation, MLB marketing, athlete endorsements, revenue generation.
Introduction: MLB's Landmark Paydays
Major League Baseball (MLB) is projected to have two players exceeding $100 million in single-season earnings in 2025, a milestone surpassing the NFL. This is driven by a combination of salary, signing bonuses, and lucrative endorsement deals.
Juan Soto: Highest Paid Player via Contract
- New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto is projected to earn $106.9 million in 2025, making him baseball's highest-paid player.
- This is primarily due to his 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, potentially rising to $885 million.
- His earnings comprise a $46.9 million salary, a $75 million signing bonus, and $5 million in endorsements.
- Soto joined the Mets as the most coveted free agent of the offseason.
Shohei Ohtani: High Earnings Through Endorsements and Deferred Salary
- Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani will also reach the $100 million mark in 2025, primarily through endorsements.
- While his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers includes a deferred payment structure (97% deferred until 2034 and beyond), resulting in a $2 million annual salary, his off-field earnings are estimated at $100 million.
- Ohtani's endorsement portfolio is one of the most lucrative in sports.
Comparison to Other Sports and Historical Context
- Previously, Ohtani's $65 million in 2023 was MLB's top earnings figure.
- No NFL player has exceeded Dak Prescott's $96.3 million in a single league year (2024).
- Only eight other team sports athletes have crossed the $100 million threshold in a single season: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Kareem Benzema.
- Ohtani is one of only four active athletes to earn $100 million off the field in 12 months, alongside Conor McGregor, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.
Baseball's Endorsement Landscape
- MLB has historically lagged behind other major sports in marketing opportunities due to its rigorous schedule and regionalized fan base.
- Outside of Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper lead in endorsements with an estimated $8 million each.
- Derek Jeter's $9 million in endorsements (pre-retirement in 2014) was a high mark until recently.
Shohei Ohtani's Unique Marketing Power
- Ohtani is sponsored by over 20 companies, including New Balance, Beats by Dre, and Fanatics in the US, and Kowa skincare, Kowa Pharmaceuticals, and Seiko watches in Japan.
- His popularity in Japan drives significant viewership and endorsement opportunities, exceeding those of US athletes.
- His image is prominently featured on billboards and products throughout Japan.
Overall Financial Impact
- Baseball's 10 highest-paid players are set to earn a combined $576 million in 2025, a 25% increase from 2024's $462 million.
- Blake Snell also beat Ohtani's previous MLB earnings mark by totaling an estimated $65.6 million this season.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB season marks a significant financial milestone with two players, Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, projected to earn over $100 million. While Soto's earnings are primarily driven by his lucrative contract, Ohtani's are fueled by unprecedented endorsement deals, particularly in the Japanese market. This reflects a shift in MLB's financial landscape and the growing importance of endorsements in athlete compensation.
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