• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

As youth asserts itself across much of baseball, that can also be seen in this year’s MLB All-Star Game rosters, where many of the league’s highest-paid players will be absent. 

Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The rosters for the annual MLB All-Star Game, for generations a source of debate among fans and players alike, carry something of a new financial look this year. 

Led by the high-profile omission of Mets outfielder Juan Soto from the National League squad, something now riling much of the baseball world, this year’s All-Star teams leave out many of the sport’s highest-paid players. 

The second-, third-, and fourth-highest paid players in 2025 compensation—the Phillies’ Zack Wheeler, Yankees’ Aaron Judge, and Rangers’ Jacob deGrom—will be in Atlanta for the July 15 All-Star Game at Truist Park. No other player in the sport’s top 10, however, was named an All-Star, and just four selections came from players ranked Nos. 11–20. 

Instead, the 2025 All-Star rosters are heavily populated by younger players—21 of whom are ages 26 or younger—and many, such as the Pirates’ Paul Skenes and Reds’ Elly De La Cruz, who still have not reached eligibility for arbitration or free agency. 

The absence of many of MLB’s top-paid players derive from a variety of reasons, including significant injuries for players such as the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole, missing all of this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March, and Angels’ Anthony Rendon, and relative underperformance for other stars such as the Astros’ Jose Altuve and Twins’ Carlos Correa. 

Soto is beginning a 15-year, $765 million contract this year with the Mets, and after a rather difficult start to the season has shown his customary performance of late and was named the National League Player of the Month for June. 

The broader situation with the All-Stars, however, does not necessarily signal a changed economic order in the sport, particularly as MLB and the MLB Players Association approach a labor negotiation next year that is widely expected to be difficult, even by baseball’s historical standards. 

On a team level, long-term success remains closely tied to player payroll. Seven of the eight teams leading current betting odds to win the 2025 World Series are in the top half of MLB luxury-tax payrolls, including each of the top five and six of the top seven. The defending-champion Dodgers and their record-setting $406.3 million outlay lead that list.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Union Chief on Alert As NBA Gambling Scandal Unfolds

The union leader addresses labor and gambling-related concerns.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Signage in place on the dug out before game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

World Series Viewership Will Be Different This Year

The Canadian presence in the World Series creates a unique viewership situation.
Oct 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) holds the MVP trophy after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the NLCS during the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.

World Series Will Be First to Showcase Ohtani’s Two-Way Skills

The two-way superstar is slated to pitch in the World Series.

Underdog Blue Jays vs. Dodgers’ Mega-Payroll on MLB’s Global Stage

The high-profile matchup caps what has been a breakthrough season for the league.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 
October 22, 2025

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

Wie West is now retired and focused on investing.
Malik Beasley
October 23, 2025

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.