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While the sheer numbers may boggle the mind, they also raise questions about how teams can afford such contracts. Discussions amongst fans and analysts have pointed towards various revenue streams: merchandise sales, stadium attendance, and television deals. However, the overall financial health of baseball teams can be perplexing. As Soto, who walks into this enormous deal, was signed, it shines a light on contemporaneous topics like television ratings and franchise valuation.
The staggering figure of Soto’s contract, which surpasses the combined career earnings of high-profile athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James, raises eyebrows about the financial mechanics of baseball.