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4w ago

MLB's Average Salary Hits $5.16 Million as Mets Lead Payroll Rankings

The New York Mets top the league with a $323.1 million payroll, narrowly edging out the Dodgers, who rely heavily on deferred contracts to manage luxury tax obligations.

Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets this offseason.
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Overview

  • Major League Baseball's average salary surpassed $5 million for the first time in 2025, reaching $5.16 million, a 3.6% increase from 2024.
  • The New York Mets have the highest payroll in MLB at $323.1 million, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers at $321.3 million.
  • Deferred contracts are reshaping payroll strategies, with the Dodgers reducing present-day salary obligations for stars like Shohei Ohtani, whose $70 million annual salary is discounted to $28.2 million.
  • Juan Soto of the Mets is the highest-paid player in MLB history, earning $61.875 million in 2025 with no deferred payments.
  • Significant financial disparities persist, with the Miami Marlins holding the league's lowest payroll at $67.4 million, $269.26 million less than the Mets.