MLB Average Salary Surpasses $5 Million for First Time

Major League Baseball's average salary has surpassed the $5 million mark for the first time, reaching $5,160,245 on opening day, according to The Associated Press. The New York Mets lead the league with a record payroll of $322.6 million, driven by Juan Soto's unprecedented $61.9 million salary, while the Los Angeles Dodgers follow closely at $319.5 million. Despite these high figures, the Mets' payroll has decreased from their previous record of $355.4 million in 2023. Notably, the Dodgers increased their payroll by a league-high $69 million, while teams like the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants significantly reduced their expenditures following poor performances. The Miami Marlins, spending only $64.9 million, ended the Athletics' streak as the lowest spender. Overall, just five teams remain under the $100 million threshold, indicating a growing disparity in team payrolls across the league.