Livan Soto – Baltimore Orioles Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Liván Soto stands out as an emerging talent in professional baseball. Born on June 22, 2000, in Valencia, Venezuela, he broke into the MLB on September 17, 2022.

Right now, Soto plays in the Baltimore Orioles organization. He’s already shown he can handle both shortstop and second base, which makes him a pretty valuable piece for any team.

Soto signed a one-year deal worth $740,000 with the Baltimore Orioles. That’s a standard entry-level MLB contract, and it puts him in a good spot to grow his earnings if he keeps developing. Even though he’s only been in the majors a short time, he’s already built up a net worth estimated at $923,074.

At 24, Soto has a lot of time to keep building his career and his bank account. His age and defensive flexibility make him someone to keep an eye on as he tries to carve out a bigger role and, hopefully, land bigger contracts down the line.

Early Life and Background

Liván Enrique Soto was born on June 22, 2000, in Valencia, Venezuela. That city’s love for baseball helped set him on the path to the pros.

His early years were shaped by Venezuela’s strong baseball culture and his family’s influence. Those roots would eventually guide him to the American baseball scene.

Family and Lineage

Growing up in Valencia, Soto was surrounded by baseball. His family played a big role in nurturing his skills from a young age.

Like many Venezuelan players, Soto probably saw baseball as more than just a game—it was a way forward. In Venezuela, kids pick up the sport early, and Soto was no exception.

He developed his skills in this baseball-rich environment, sharpening his instincts and baseball IQ. There isn’t a lot of public info about his parents or siblings, but it’s safe to guess their support mattered a lot.

For a lot of Venezuelan players, family sacrifices are a huge part of their stories. Parents often work extra jobs just to help their kids chase baseball dreams.

Immigration and Journey to Professional Baseball

Soto followed the well-worn path of many Venezuelan prospects. He impressed scouts and signed with a Major League organization while still a teenager.

Leaving home, he had to adapt to a new language and culture in the United States. The Baltimore Orioles organization claimed him off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels in February 2024.

Before joining the Orioles, Soto played in the Angels system. He made his MLB debut with them on September 17, 2022.

His story mirrors the challenges Latin American players face: leaving home young, learning English, and finding their way in a new country—all while trying to make it in pro baseball.

Origins of His Nickname

So far, Liván Soto doesn’t have a nickname that’s stuck with fans or the media. That’s a bit unusual, since Venezuelan players often pick up nicknames early on.

In Venezuela, nicknames—or “apodos”—are a big deal. They can come from physical traits, a player’s style, or memorable moments from their youth teams.

Maybe Soto has a nickname among teammates, but it hasn’t surfaced in public yet. As he gets more time as a shortstop and second baseman, who knows? Maybe one will catch on with the wider baseball crowd.

Professional Baseball Career

Livan Soto’s baseball career has taken him from the minors all the way to the MLB. He’s made his mark as a versatile infielder, mostly at shortstop and second base.

Minor League Journey

The Los Angeles Angels signed him as a free agent on December 16, 2017. They started him off with the AZL Angels in the rookie league.

Soto moved up through the Angels’ farm system, building a reputation for solid defense at shortstop. He wasn’t a power hitter, but his bat control and knack for getting on base stood out.

During his time in the minors, Soto played all over the infield—shortstop, second, and sometimes third base. That flexibility would serve him well later on.

By 2022, he’d worked his way up and finally got his shot at the majors.

Debut in MLB

He made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels, finally reaching the big leagues. Standing 5’10” and weighing 160 pounds, he bats left-handed and is known for his defense.

Soto’s early MLB games showed off the same fundamentals he’d developed in the minors: clean defense, contact hitting, and baseball smarts. He’s not a slugger, but he gets on base and makes the routine plays.

Facing MLB pitching is a challenge for anyone, and Soto was no exception. Still, he stuck to his approach and kept working to prove himself.

Notable Trades and Transfers

Soto’s career took a new direction when he joined the Baltimore Orioles. That move gave him a fresh start with a team that’s been developing young talent lately.

He signed a one-year contract with the Orioles. The financial details aren’t all over the news, but his net worth sits at $923,074.

The Orioles picked up Soto as part of their plan to add depth with versatile infielders. At first, he spent more time with their minor league teams, waiting for his next shot at the majors.

No matter where he’s played, Soto’s reputation as a reliable defender who can handle multiple spots in the infield has followed him. That’s made him a useful piece for any roster.

Statistical Achievements and Defensive Performance

Livan Soto’s pro career is defined by steady defense and growing offensive skills. His stats show he’s got strengths in the field and is working to boost his numbers at the plate.

Key Career Statistics

Soto debuted in the big leagues on September 17, 2022, with the Angels. In his first taste of MLB action, he showed he could put the bat on the ball, just like he did in the minors.

In the minors, Soto has kept his batting average pretty steady, usually in the .260-.280 range. He focuses on contact, not power.

His on-base percentage is a plus—he’s patient and knows how to work a count. Soto doesn’t go for home runs, but he finds ways to get on base and use his speed.

On the basepaths, he’s shown he can swipe a bag, adding another dimension to his game.

Defensive Metrics

Shortstop is his main spot, but Soto’s played second and third base too. His defensive numbers show why teams value him in the infield.

He’s put up solid defensive runs saved (DRS) numbers, helping prevent runs with his fielding. His range factor is good—he covers ground.

His ultimate zone rating (UZR) has been positive, especially at shortstop. That just means his glove work is reliable.

Soto’s outs above average (OAA) show he makes some plays that others might miss. His fielding percentage usually sits above the league average for shortstops, so he’s steady with the glove.

Awards and Recognitions

Soto hasn’t picked up any big MLB awards yet. But in the minors, he earned recognition for his defense.

Scouts and coaches in the Angels’ system praised his defensive skills before he joined the Orioles. He’s not an MVP candidate right now, but steady play has helped him move up.

Prospect reports often highlight his footwork, arm strength, and barrel control. Evaluators like his instincts and the way he makes contact at the plate.

His ability to play solid defense and make consistent contact keeps him in the conversation as a developing talent.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

Livan Soto is still early in his MLB career, and his contracts reflect that. He’s following the typical path for a young infielder trying to break through.

Current Contract Information

Soto is currently under contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles claimed him off waivers from the Angels on February 8, 2024, after the Angels designated him for assignment.

He’s on a 1-year deal for the 2024 season. The salary isn’t widely reported, but it’s probably close to the league minimum for a player at his stage.

There’s no signing bonus, just a straightforward contract. It’s all about giving Soto a chance to prove himself in Baltimore.

Salary History

Soto started earning as a pro when he signed with the Angels on December 15, 2017. That came after the Braves let him go as a free agent.

His net worth is estimated at about $923,074, built up from several one-year contracts.

Before Baltimore, Soto spent 2022 and 2023 on one-year deals with the Angels. Those contracts were pretty standard for a guy still fighting to stick in the majors.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

At this point, Soto hasn’t landed any major sponsorships or endorsements. That’s pretty normal for players who haven’t been in the league long or don’t have a big profile yet.

Most guys in his position are just focused on making the roster and proving they belong. His income is coming almost entirely from his baseball salary.

If Soto becomes a regular in the big leagues, endorsement opportunities could come his way. Baseball gear, maybe something tied to his Venezuelan roots—that sort of thing.

Net Worth and Personal Assets

Livan Soto’s finances are still modest compared to established MLB stars. His net worth reflects his early career stage and the fact that he’s still working to make a name for himself.

Sources of Income

Soto’s main income comes from his baseball contracts. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $923,074, which is mostly from his MLB paychecks.

He signed a one-year deal with the Orioles, as tracked by Spotrac. That’s his main source of income.

He might also pick up some extra money from:

• Performance bonuses
• A few small endorsement deals
• Appearance fees at baseball events
• International play compensation

Since he’s only been in the majors since 2022, Soto hasn’t had much time to build up those secondary income streams. He’s not in the same league as stars like Juan Soto (no relation), who signed a $765 million contract.

Estimation Methods and Measurements

Financial analysts use a few standard techniques to figure out a baseball player’s net worth. When it comes to Livan Soto, they usually focus on a handful of things.

They start with contract valuation. Basically, they add up his guaranteed MLB earnings and then subtract agent commissions, which usually fall somewhere between 3-5%.

Public records about property holdings add another piece to the puzzle. Soto doesn’t really flaunt real estate investments, so there isn’t much to dig up there.

Market analysts also look at a few other things:

• What he might earn in the future, based on how he’s playing
• Whether he could get a bump through salary arbitration
• His international marketing appeal—especially in Venezuela

It’s tough to get precise numbers, though, since most baseball players keep their financial details private. Soto, born in 2000, is still early in his career, so his finances are probably less complicated than those of big-name veterans.

Topps Baseball Card Value

Livan Soto’s Topps baseball cards don’t fetch huge prices, but they’re not exactly ignored either. Collectors see him as an up-and-coming player, not a superstar—at least, not yet.

His rookie cards from 2022, right after his September 17 MLB debut, are the most sought-after. If you find a Topps Chrome rookie autograph in mint condition, it might go for anywhere from $15 to $40, depending on which version you have and how rare it is.

A few things influence his card values:

• He hasn’t played a ton of major league games yet
• There’s some hope for his career to take off
• He has a small but loyal group of collectors, especially among fans of Venezuelan players
• Print runs and special editions (refractors, parallels) definitely matter

Card investors look at Soto’s collectibles as long shots with room to grow, rather than blue-chip assets. They pay close attention to card condition (think PSA/BGS grades), how rare the card is, and whether the autograph is legit. If Soto settles into a steady MLB role, some analysts think his cards could appreciate a bit.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Liván Soto’s path through professional baseball really highlights how international the sport has become. His Venezuelan background and his climb through the minors show just how far baseball’s reach extends these days.

Influence on Readership and Fans

Soto’s managed to build up a loyal, if modest, fanbase among baseball diehards—especially in Venezuela and Baltimore. His ability to play both shortstop and second base makes him someone to keep an eye on, especially for folks who appreciate the basics of the game.

A lot of young Venezuelan players see Soto as proof that you can work your way up through the minors. He signed with the Los Angeles Angels and later joined the Baltimore Orioles organization, and his story seems to hit home for international prospects.

People are talking about him more online, particularly when he gets called up to the majors. Baseball bloggers and analysts often mention his progress as a good example of how MLB teams invest in international talent for the long haul.

Potential for Hall of Fame Induction

It’s still way too early to talk about Hall of Fame chances for Soto. Born in 2000, he’s just starting to carve out his place in the majors.

For Soto to have a real shot at the Hall, he’ll need to clear some big hurdles. He’s got to lock down consistent playing time in the MLB.

He’ll also need to put up stats that are way above replacement level. Longevity matters too—think a solid decade or more in the big leagues.

If he can flash Gold Glove-level defense at his position, that wouldn’t hurt either.

Right now, his net worth sits at $923,074, which shows he’s still in the early, developmental stage of his career. Most Hall of Famers have earned much more by the time they’re in the conversation, usually after landing a few big contracts.

Some baseball historians point out that international players sometimes deal with extra challenges when it comes to Hall of Fame voting. That said, this bias has started to fade as the game’s become more global.