Soto, Mets agree to 15-year, $765M deal
DALLAS — Star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have reached a groundbreaking agreement for a 15-year contract worth $765 million, marking what is believed to be the largest contract in the history of team sports.
This information was disclosed by a source familiar with the deal, who requested anonymity as the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, is contingent upon a successful physical examination.
As part of the deal, Soto will have the option to opt out after the 2029 season. Should the Mets fail to raise his contract to $805 million by then through incremental annual increases, he can exercise this option. Additionally, Soto will receive a $75 million signing bonus upon the contract’s approval by the commissioner’s office.
This historic agreement surpasses the previous record held by Shohei Ohtani, who signed a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December, which included substantial deferred payments. In contrast, Soto’s contract does not feature deferred compensation, resulting in an average annual value of $51 million.
Moreover, Soto’s contract length eclipses Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year deal with the San Diego Padres, which extends through 2034.
The New York Yankees reportedly made a competitive offer of $760 million over 16 years in an effort to keep Soto, providing a strong average annual value of $47.5 million.
At just 26 years old, Soto is already a four-time All-Star and stands as the most accomplished free agent at his age since Alex Rodriguez secured a record $252 million, 10-year contract in 2000 while with the Texas Rangers.
Since his major league debut at 19 with the Washington Nationals in 2018, Soto showcased his talents, playing a pivotal role in their World Series victory in 2019, where he recorded a .282 batting average, 34 home runs, and 110 RBIs.
Soto previously rejected a $440 million, 15-year offer from the Nationals in 2022 before being traded to the San Diego Padres that same August. Following the passing of Padres owner Peter Seidler, Soto was then traded to the Yankees in December 2023, contributing to the team’s success in reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009.
As of now, Juan Soto boasts a career batting average of .285, accumulating 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and 769 walks over the course of seven seasons in Major League Baseball.
