Even though the cries for Juan Soto to become the highest-paid player in MLB began even before his go-ahead homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS

"Multiple people told The Athletic this spring they believe Soto’s camp is after Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking deal," Ghiroli reported. "Ohtani’s contract included 97 percent deferrals, but still put his present-day average annual value at roughly $43.78 million, or closer to $46 million when calculated for luxury tax purposes."