NEW YORK — Juan Soto, the four-time MLB All-Star outfielder, has agreed to a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, according to multiple reports.
Soto would have the right to opt out of the contract after the 2029 season if the Mets do not increase the average annual value by $4 million annually at that time. Soto will receive a $75 million signing bonus, payable upon approval of the deal by the commissioner’s office. The Associated Press reported.
The New York Yankees reportedly offered Soto $760 million over 16 years. So were the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly interested in signing the 26-year-old Soto, the best free hitter on the market and considered by many to be a generational talent.
Soto, a five-time Silver Slugger, hit 41 career home runs and drove in 109 RBI for the Yankees in 2024. season only in the Bronx after being acquired in a blockbuster trade for seven players with the San Diego Padres after the 2023 season.
Sotos three-run home run in Game 5 of the 2024 ALCS, the Yankees finally clinched the 41st American League pennant. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the World Series in five games.
Soto made his debut in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, where he became one of the most feared power hitters in the majors. In about four and a half seasons with Washington, Soto totaled 119 home runs and an elite .538 slugging percentage. He cleaned up the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship team.
However, the Nationals sent Soto to San Diego in a deal before the 2022 trade deadline after he turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract extension.
