How Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge built their massive MLB fortunes

Major League Baseball's biggest stars are no longer just top athletes; they are global brands with multi-million dollar contracts. Over the past 10 years, MLB salaries have increased as teams try to lock in their franchise players during their prime years. Players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge have accumulated incredible wealth owing to their combination of record-breaking contracts, signing bonuses, and long-term perfect performances. Their deals are indicative of how modern baseball has made previously unheard-of financial opportunities for generational talent.

Shohei Ohtani made a financial empire out of global stardom

Shohei Ohtani's fortune skyrocketed when he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers starting in 2024. As per Spotrac data, the deal is in place through 2033 and has an average annual value of $70 million. However, there is a historic financial structure to the contract in that approximately $680 million is deferred until 2034-2043, meaning Ohtani only receives $2 million in the contract years, annually, before collecting the bulk of the money later on.

Even before the deal, Ohtani had $46 million in career on-field earnings with the largest portfolio of endorsements in sports. Ohtani has signed with brands such as New Balance, Seiko, Fanatics, and Topps. He also has a notable partnership with Japanese beverage company ITO EN's Oi Ocha, a green tea brand. The collaboration began in 2024 and made Ohtani the face of international campaigns to promote the drink throughout Japan and the United States.

Juan Soto's Mets contract and increasing number of endorsements

Soto became the focal point of the biggest contract in baseball's history when the New York Mets signed him to a 15-year, $765 million, starting in 2025, per Spotrac. The agreement carries an average salary of $51 million per year and a $75 million signing bonus, as well as an opt-out clause at the end of the 2029 season. As his profile has increased, there has also been a growing number of major brands that have partnered with him. Soto has endorsements with companies like Under Armour and Wilson, while his newfound star power is continuing to broaden his commercial opportunities both in Latin America and the US.

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Aaron Judge’s historic Yankees contract turned into massive wealth

Aaron Judge's financial breakthrough came after his historic 62 home run season in 2022 that set a new American League record. The New York Yankees rewarded their franchise slugger with a nine-year, $360 million contract to begin in 2023. The deal is in place through 2031 and pays an average of $40 million a year. Spotrac data shows Judge has already made more than $156 million in career salary, a figure that will increase significantly throughout the contract's lifespan. Off the field, Judge has amassed one of the strongest endorsement portfolios in baseball with partnerships with Adidas, Pepsi, Rawlings, and Topps. He has also invested in charitable efforts and brand partnerships related to his position as Yankees captain.

Most wealthy MLB players are creating history

The financial success of Ohtani, Soto, and Judge is indicative of the way the business of baseball has changed. Today's superstars have huge guaranteed contracts, as well as global marketing opportunities that go far beyond the diamond. As MLB revenues continue to grow and interest has been expanding globally, the next generation of MLB players may follow the same blueprint, turning elite performance into billion-dollar careers on and off the field.