In a groundbreaking move, the New York Mets secured superstar outfielder Juan Soto with an unprecedented 15-year, $765 million contract, making waves across Major League Baseball. The deal not only lured Soto away from the New York Yankees in free agency but also shattered the record set by Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
The contract is structured without any deferred payments, a notable departure from other mega-deals. Mets owner Steve Cohen has committed to paying Soto every penny of the agreement in real time, underscoring the team’s determination to land one of baseball’s brightest stars.
Soto’s deal features an average annual value (AAV) of $51 million, complemented by a $75 million signing bonus.
In comparison, the Yankees reportedly offered Soto an AAV of $47.5 million, falling short of the Mets’ aggressive bid.
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One of the most intriguing aspects of the contract is the inclusion of an opt-out clause after Year 5, which would allow Soto to re-enter free agency following the 2029 season. However, the Mets have a unique safeguard in place: they can void the opt-out by increasing Soto’s AAV to $55 million over the final 10 years of the contract.
This adjustment would elevate the total value of the deal to an astonishing $805 million, further cementing its status as the most lucrative in professional sports history.
The Mets’ acquisition of Soto comes on the heels of a remarkable season in which they came within two wins of reaching the World Series. Ironically, they could have faced Soto himself in a historic Subway Series matchup. Now, with Soto donning Mets colors, the team is positioned as a perennial contender for the National League pennant and beyond.
Adding to the significance of the deal, the Mets delivered a major blow to their crosstown rivals. The Yankees’ inability to secure Soto highlights the growing power struggle between the two New York franchises, with the Mets now firmly staking their claim as the city’s top contender.
By landing Soto, the Mets not only reshaped their future but also set a new benchmark for player contracts, solidifying their status as one of the most ambitious and competitive teams in baseball.
