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Juan Soto Leads MLB Salary List as Mets Star Nears Injury

2026-09-04 · Juan Soto · Player Focus

Juan Soto is the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season. The New York Mets superstar will earn a staggering $61.875 million this year, topping the league's salary list as he works his way back from an injury.

How much is Juan Soto making in 2026?

According to present-day calculations from the MLB Labor Relations Department obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Soto's 2026 salary is the largest in the game. His $61.875 million payday outpaces the next highest earner, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, by nearly $20 million. The list highlights the financial might of New York teams, with three Yankees and two Mets among the top ten earners. Five of those ten players, including Soto and Mets teammate Bo Bichette, are on teams certain to miss the playoffs this October.

PlayerTeam2026 Salary
Juan SotoNew York Mets$61,875,000
Cody BellingerNew York Yankees$42,500,000
Bo BichetteNew York Mets$42,000,000
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Toronto Blue Jays$40,214,286
Aaron JudgeNew York Yankees$40,000,000

When will Soto return from his injury?

The Mets' franchise player is taking a major step toward returning to the lineup. Soto has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, but recent reports from Athlon Sports indicate his rehabilitation is advancing. He has progressed to baseball activities, a key milestone that suggests a return could be on the horizon. The Mets, already eliminated from postseason contention, will be eager to see their investment back on the field to finish the season strong and build momentum for 2027.

What is Soto's community involvement?

Even while working his way back, Soto found time to give back. He was one of the Mets All-Stars who recently surprised young players at a baseball clinic in Brooklyn. The event, covered by WPIX New York, saw Soto interacting with kids and sharing his knowledge of the game. This community appearance shows his role as a face of the franchise beyond his on-field production.

How did his defense rate last season?

A separate report from 2025 provides context for Soto's all-around game. Statistical analysis showed he was ranked as the worst defensive outfielder in MLB last season among 132 players who logged over 1,000 innings in the field. This defensive metric stands in stark contrast to his elite offensive value and historic contract, highlighting an area where the Mets likely hope for improvement upon his return.

  • Juan Soto's 2026 salary of $61.875 million is the largest in baseball.
  • He is progressing in his rehab and has resumed baseball activities.
  • Soto surprised young fans at a Brooklyn baseball clinic recently.
  • In 2025, defensive metrics ranked him as the league's least effective outfielder.

Soto's massive earnings reflect his status as one of the game's premier hitters. His path back to health is the immediate focus for a Mets team looking ahead.

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