Baseball’s financial landscape is reaching unprecedented territory, as Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto are set to make history in 2025. According to Sportico, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar and New York Mets slugger are on pace to become the first MLB players to surpass $100 million in total earnings within a single year.

While both players are cashing in, the way they’ll reach this milestone differs significantly. Ohtani’s fortune will largely come from high-profile endorsement deals, while Soto will reap the benefits of a massive signing bonus from his record-breaking contract with the Mets.

Ohtani inked a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in late 2023, but his salary this season will be a modest $2 million due to deferred payments. However, his global appeal has made him the most marketable athlete in baseball, with endorsements from New Balance, Fanatics/Topps, and other major brands expected to push his earnings near $100 million.

Soto’s payday, on the other hand, will be driven by his contract. After an impressive year with the New York Yankees, he secured a staggering $765 million deal with the Mets. His $75 million signing bonus alone will propel him past the nine-figure threshold, and with his annual salary and brand partnerships factored in, his total earnings are projected to hit $129 million.

Their performances on the field have made these historic paydays inevitable. In his first year with the Dodgers, Ohtani delivered an MVP-caliber season, batting .375 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs while helping lead his team to a World Series title. Meanwhile, Soto shined in the Bronx, posting a .288 average with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs, earning first-team All-MLB honors and a Silver Slugger award before securing his megadeal.

With these record-setting earnings, Ohtani and Soto are not only redefining financial expectations in baseball but also highlighting the growing influence of global marketing and player branding in professional sports.