NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time in history, Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen its average player salary surpass the $5 million mark on opening day, a significant milestone reported by The Associated Press. This increase highlights the growing financial landscape of professional baseball, as teams continue to invest heavily in top talent. Leading the charge in payroll expenditures are the New York Mets, who, with a staggering $322.6 million payroll, maintain their position as the highest spenders for the third consecutive opening day. At the helm of this financial surge is Juan Soto, whose record-setting salary of $61.9 million eclipses previous highs set by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, both of whom formerly shared the top salary of $43.3 million. Close on the Mets' heels are the Los Angeles Dodgers, reigning champions of the World Series, with a payroll of $319.5 million. Each of these major franchises is spending nearly five times as much as the Miami Marlins, who now hold the title for the lowest payroll at $64.9 million, ending the Oakland Athletics' three-year streak as the least spendthrift team in the league. Despite the Mets’ impressive figures, it’s worth noting that their payroll has decreased from last season’s peak of $355.4 million. The average salary across the league rose by 3.6%, now sitting at $5,160,245, which is a slight uptick from last year’s 1.5% increase but a significant drop from the 11.1% rise witnessed in 2023. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of such salary growth in an industry still grappling with economic fluctuations. In terms of team payroll increases, the Dodgers lead the pack with a remarkable $69 million jump from last year's opening day, followed closely by the Baltimore Orioles at $66 million. Other teams making substantial investments include the Arizona Diamondbacks ($55 million), San Diego Padres ($47 million), Philadelphia Phillies ($41 million), and Detroit Tigers ($39 million). Interestingly, the Dodgers' payroll figures are influenced by deferred payments; Shohei Ohtani’s eye-popping $70 million salary is adjusted to a present-day value of $28.2 million, as the full payout will not be completed until 2035. This deferred payment system also affects other star players on the roster, such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, leading to fascinating discussions around contract structures in professional sports. Meanwhile, following a dismal season that resulted in a record 121 losses, the Chicago White Sox have significantly slashed their payroll by $60.8 million. Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, and St. Louis Cardinals, have also made cuts, indicating a potential shift in strategy for teams looking to rebuild. As of opening day, just five teams are operating under the $100 million payroll mark, with Miami, Oakland Athletics ($74.9 million), Tampa Bay Rays ($79.2 million), and the Pittsburgh Pirates ($87.9 million) trailing the high spenders. In terms of salary distribution among players, of the 953 players in the major leagues, 526 are earning $1 million or more, which represents 55% of the league's players. This figure is a slight decline from last year, where 532 players broke the million-dollar threshold. Notably, only 15 players are making $30 million or more, a reduction of two from the previous year, while 66 players earn $20 million, unchanged from last year, and 177 players see salaries of $10 million, up from 166. The median salary, a crucial indicator of player earnings that signifies the midpoint, has dipped to $1.35 million from $1.5 million last year. This figure is significantly lower than the record high of $1.65 million at the start of the 2015 season. Typically, average and median salaries tend to decrease throughout the season as veteran players are released and replaced by younger, lower-paid talent. The AP's calculation of average salaries includes player salaries and prorated shares of signing bonuses and other guaranteed earnings. Payroll figures also take into account various financial adjustments such as cash transactions in trades, signing bonuses, option buyouts, and termination pay for released players. As the MLB season progresses, the dynamics of player salaries and payrolls will remain a focal point for analysts and fans alike, illustrating the complex interplay between financial investment and athletic performance in one of America’s most beloved pastimes.