Record-Breaking $765 Million, 15-Year Contract for Juan Soto and the New York Mets
A Historic Deal for the Ages
The New York Mets have agreed to a record-breaking $765 million, 15-year contract with star outfielder Juan Soto, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The agreement, first reported by the New York Post, is subject to a successful physical and is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history.
Breaking the Barriers
The deal tops Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was signed last December. Ohtani’s agreement included $680 million in deferred payments and is valued at just under $46.1 million for baseball’s luxury tax. Soto’s contract, on the other hand, does not include any deferred money.
A Long-Term Commitment
Soto’s 15-year contract is the longest in Major League Baseball history, surpassing Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego that runs through 2034.
A Star in the Making
Soto is a four-time All-Star at age 26, making him the most accomplished free agent at that age since shortstop Alex Rodriguez agreed to a record $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas in December 2000 at age 25.
A Career to Remember
Soto was just 19 when he made his major league debut with Washington in 2018 and helped the Nationals win the World Series the following year, hitting .282 with 34 homers and 110 RBIs. He turned down Washington’s $440 million, 15-year offer in 2022 and was traded to San Diego in August of that year. After the death of Padres owner Peter Seidler, Soto was dealt to the Yankees in December 2023 and helped New York reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
A Star Player
Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks, hitting second in the batting order ahead of Aaron Judge to power an offense that led the major leagues with 237 homers. He hit a go-ahead homer in the AL Championship Series opener against Cleveland and a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the 10th inning that won the pennant against the Guardians in Game 5.
Conclusion
The record-breaking $765 million, 15-year contract between Juan Soto and the New York Mets is a testament to the star outfielder’s exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. With this deal, Soto becomes the most valuable player in the game, and the Mets secure a cornerstone player for the next 15 years.
FAQs
What is the value of the contract? The contract is valued at $765 million, making it the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history.
How long is the contract? The contract is 15 years long, surpassing Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year contract with San Diego.
Does the contract include deferred money? No, the contract does not include any deferred money, unlike Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What is Juan Soto’s current age? Soto is 26 years old.
What is Juan Soto’s career statistics? Soto has a .285 batting average with 201 homers, 592 RBIs, and 769 walks over seven major league seasons.
