Juan Soto was notably absent from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game roster, marking his first omission since 2020 and his inaugural season with the New York Mets. This All-Star snub means Soto will forgo a significant financial bonus that is part of his extensive 15-year, $765 million contract, emphasizing the impact of the selection on player earnings.
Financial Incentives and Contract Bonuses Affecting MLB Players
Many major league players have contracts that include monetary rewards tied to on-field achievements such as MVP awards, Gold Glove recognitions, and All-Star appearances. Soto’s current agreement contains such provisions, offering him bonuses for various accomplishments during the season. One notable perk is a $100,000 bonus awarded for each All-Star Game appearance, which Soto will miss out on this year given his non-selection.
When questioned about missing the All-Star team, Soto expressed the value of the opportunity, stating,
“I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it.”
This candid comment highlights how much such bonuses mean to players beyond their base salaries.
Despite missing this bonus, Soto’s overall earnings remain substantial. His average annual income from his contract is approximately $61.8 million, translating to about $381,000 per regular season game and nearly $100,000 per each at-bat, reflecting his standing as one of baseball’s highest-paid players.
Other Players Benefiting from All-Star Selection Bonuses
While Soto misses out on the extra compensation, several players will receive financial rewards for their inclusion in the 2025 All-Star Game. Among them are Jose Ramirez, Jacob deGrom, and Freddy Peralta, each set to earn $100,000. Additionally, Josh Hader will receive $75,000, while players like Javy Baez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Francisco Lindor, and Edwin Diaz will earn $50,000 bonuses for their selections.
Spotrac, which tracks sports contracts and bonuses, shared the breakdown of these All-Star selection earnings:
#MLB All Star Selection Bonuses
Jose Ramirez: $100k
Jacob deGrom: $100k
Freddy Peralta: $100k
Josh Hader: $75k
Javy Baez: $50k
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: $50k
Julio Rodriguez: $50k
Francisco Lindor: $50k
Edwin Diaz: $50k
— Spotrac (@spotrac) July 9, 2025
Additional incentives exist for members of the team that wins the All-Star Game, with last year’s winning squad dividing an $800,000 prize pool. Players received approximately $25,000 each from that pot. Some players also earned bonuses for participating in extra media activities, such as wearing microphones or agreeing to interviews during the event.
2025 All-Star Game Set for Mid-July in Atlanta
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, at 8 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 15th. As one of the season’s premier events, it honors the league’s top players and provides opportunities for both recognition and additional earnings. Soto’s absence this year will likely be a motivator as he continues his season with the Mets, with future All-Star appearances carrying not only prestige but also significant financial rewards.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?
A. “I need to improve,” he mentioned, according to Jon Heyman from the New York Post. At 26, he is experiencing his first season with the Mets. He joined the team as a free agent in December 2024 with a record-breaking 15-year contract valued at $765 million.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto’s bat speeds decreased from over 75 mph to over 73 mph. Despite this, their speed remains in the top 75 and well above the league average of 71.6 mph. Soto’s bat speed is still considered top-notch even with this reduction.