2025 MLB Payrolls: Who’s Spending Big and Who’s Saving Bucks?
The 2025 Major League Baseball season is upon us, and once again, the battle of the wallets is just as intense as the one on the field. Every year, teams open their checkbooks in hopes of building a championship-winning roster, and this season is no different. But who’s leading the pack in spending, and who’s pinching pennies? Let’s break it down.
Surprisingly, despite all the headlines about the Los Angeles Dodgers stacking up superstar talent, they are not the team with the highest payroll heading into the season. That honor goes to the New York Mets, who top the list with a staggering $323.1 million in payroll commitments. The Dodgers come in a close second at $321.3 million, thanks to a creative approach involving deferred payments—especially when it comes to their biggest contract, Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million deal. Ohtani is deferring $68 million of his $70 million annual salary, drastically reducing his immediate payroll impact and luxury tax penalties.
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Meanwhile, the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays round out the top five in spending, showing just how competitive the financial game has become in Major League Baseball. The Yankees have committed nearly $293.5 million to their roster, while the Phillies are close behind at $284.2 million. The Blue Jays, aiming to stay relevant in the AL East, are at $239.6 million.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Miami Marlins find themselves at the bottom of the spending list with a payroll of just $67.4 million. The Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are also among the lowest spenders, continuing their trend of finding value without breaking the bank.
A notable individual winner in this financial battle is Juan Soto, now with the Mets, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. Unlike Ohtani, Soto’s deal has no deferrals, making his salary for the year an eye-popping $61.875 million—the highest single-season salary in MLB history.
While money alone doesn’t guarantee success, history has shown that teams investing in elite talent often find themselves in the mix for a championship. Will the Mets’ heavy spending pay off? Can the Dodgers’ financial gymnastics keep them at the top? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—2025 is shaping up to be another thrilling season of baseball.
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