Mets Land Juan Soto with Record-Breaking 15-Year Contract

Juan Soto Signs Historic $765 Million, 15-Year Deal with the Mets

Superstar outfielder Juan Soto has agreed to a groundbreaking 15-year contract with the New York Mets, valued at $765 million, according to a source familiar with the deal. This contract, which could escalate to $805 million, is believed to be the largest in team sports history.

The agreement, first reported by the New York Post, is contingent on Soto passing a physical examination. While sports contracts in other countries may not match up, Soto’s deal is considered the largest in all team sports. The signing deal also marks a major move away from the New York Yankees, who had hoped to retain the All-Star after his critical role in helping them reach the World Series.

Key Terms of the Deal

Soto’s new contract includes an option to opt out after the 2029 season, should the Mets not increase his average annual salary by $4 million at that point. He will also receive a $75 million signing bonus, which is due upon the approval of the deal by MLB’s commissioner.

This new contract surpasses the previous largest Major League Baseball (MLB) deal, which was Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Ohtani’s deal included deferred payments, Soto’s agreement does not, pushing his average annual value to a record $51 million.

The 15-year length of Soto’s contract also exceeds Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year deal with the San Diego Padres, and sets a new benchmark in the MLB.

Comparison to Other Major Contracts

Soto’s $765 million deal with the Mets breaks the record for the largest MLB contracts, as outlined below:

• Juan Soto (Mets, 2025-2039) – $765 million
• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers, 2024-2033) – $700 million
• Mike Trout (Angels, 2019-2030) – $426.5 million
• Mookie Betts (Dodgers, 2021-2032) – $365 million
• Aaron Judge (Yankees, 2023-2031) – $360 million

Other notable contracts include those of Manny Machado, Francisco Lindor, and Bryce Harper, who all secured major deals in the $300 million range.

Soto’s Journey to the Mets

Soto, now 26 and a four-time All-Star, is one of the most accomplished free agents at his age. His rise to prominence began when he debuted with the Washington Nationals at just 19 years old, leading them to a World Series victory in 2019. Soto’s impressive performance continued with standout stats, including a .282 average, 34 home runs, and 110 RBIs that season.

Despite a $440 million, 15-year offer from the Nationals in 2022, Soto turned it down, and was later traded to the San Diego Padres in August 2022. After the death of Padres owner Peter Seidler, Soto was traded again to the Yankees in December 2023, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009.

Performance Highlights

In the 2023 season, Soto batted .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. His clutch performances during the postseason helped propel the Yankees to the AL Championship Series, including a crucial three-run homer in Game 5 to clinch the pennant against the Cleveland Guardians. With a career .285 batting average, 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and 769 walks, Soto’s legacy as one of the game’s elite players is firmly cemented.

Conclusion

Juan Soto’s record-breaking contract is a historic milestone in baseball, marking him as the highest-paid player in team sports history. With his incredible on-field talents and leadership, Soto is poised to be a cornerstone for the Mets for years to come.

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