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MLB’s Average Salary Tops $5 Million for First Time, AP Study Shows

The New York Mets, with Juan Soto’s record $61.9 million pay, led MLB for the third straight opening day with a $322.6 million payroll (down from their record high of $355.4 million in 2023), just ahead of the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at $319.5 million. Those two teams each spent roughly five times as much as the Miami Marlins, who at $64.9 million ended the Athletics’ three-year streak as the lowest spender. Los Angeles’ payroll figure was held down by deferred payments. Shohei Ohtani’s $70 million salary was discounted to a present-day value of $28.2 million because it won’t be paid in full until 2035

Highest salaries per year in MLB for the 2025 season

Juan Soto (NYM)            $61,875,000

Zack Wheeler (Phi)         $42,000,000

Jacob deGrom (Tex)       $40,000,000

Aaron Judge (NYY)        $40,000,000

Anthony Rendon (LAA) $38,571,428

Carlos Correa (Min)       $37,333,333

Mike Trout (LAA)           $37,116,666

Gerrit Cole (NYY)          $36,000,000

Jose Altuve (Hou)            $33,000,000

Corey Seager (Tex)         $32,500,000

Source: MLB MLB’s average salary tops $5 million for first time, AP study shows | AP News

MLB Starts in Japan Tomorrow

Yes, do you believe it, the Dodgers and Cubs are kicking off the MLB regular season with a two-game series in Japan, starting Tuesday, March 18.  Of course, the remaining 28 MLB teams will not be participating. A week after the games in Japan, MLB Opening Day is slated for Thursday, March 27, 2025.  Here is something you may not know.  The American League is ahead 64-48 in the World Series that began in 1903. The American League has won the Fall Classic 16 more times than the National League, thanks to a team in the AL who has won the most titles.  They won 27 times.  The New York Yankees.  Whooooooooah!

Key Themes of Washington’s Farewell Address 

Crafted with the assistance of his close advisors, including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, President George Washington’s Farewell Address was intended to offer guidance and warnings to the American people as they faced the challenges of the future. Among the most significant themes were:

  1. Neutrality in Foreign Affairs – advising that the United States should avoid becoming involved in the conflicts and political machinations of foreign powers. He argued that such alliances could lead to unnecessary entanglements and could jeopardize American interests and independence.
  2. The Dangers of Political Parties – Washington expressed concern that political factions could lead to divisions within the country and weaken the unity of the nation. He believed that political parties could become sources of discord and could prioritize their own interests over the common good. He encouraged Americans to work together for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
  3. The Importance of National Unity – He emphasized that the strength of the United States depended on the unity of its people and the coherence of its government. Washington urged Americans to set aside regional and political differences and to work together to build a strong and prosperous nation. Source: Day in History