Juan Soto has made history by signing the most lucrative contract in professional sports.
The 26-year-old baseball outfielder agreed to a $765 million deal with the New York Mets. This record-breaking contract cements Soto’s place as one of the highest-earning athletes of all time.
Juan Soto’s record-setting contract
According to multiple sources, the Mets offered Soto a 15-year contract worth $765 million, including a $75 million signing bonus.
The deal also features an opt-out clause after five seasons and no deferred payments, potentially raising the total value to over $800 million.
This contract surpasses all previous records in sports, solidifying its unprecedented status.
Previously, Soto received an offer from the New York Yankees for $760 million over 16 years.
However, Soto’s representatives confirmed he would accept the highest available deal. With the Mets’ offer, Soto surpassed all competitors in the race for professional sports’ largest payday.
Comparing Soto’s deal to other historic contracts
Soto’s contract dwarfs earlier major deals in baseball. In 2019, Mike Trout signed a $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
Francisco Lindor joined the Mets in 2021 with a $341 million deal spanning ten years.
More recently, Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. Despite these impressive figures, Soto’s contract outshines them all.
Fans react to the massive deal on social media
Baseball fans quickly reacted to the groundbreaking news on social media.
On X platform, some marveled at the scale of the contract, calculating that Soto would earn $51 million annually.
Additionally, others humorously commented on how the sum could buy an entire team.
One person said: These players always say it’s not about the money. It’s for the love of the game. Lol
A second wrote: Good for him! Sky is the limit in the greatest country on earth. If you can generate income, you can be rewarded greatly. People need to understand that.
While a third commented: Sad that someone that plays a game makes this kind of money , it all about the money now and not the sport
Another added: This guy hits the ball with a stick, or throws the ball, or catches the ball so good it’s worth around the GDP of Malawi, gotcha
Someone else said: No one, sports or otherwise, is worth this kind of money.
Soto’s career justifies the history deal
At only 26 years old, Soto has already achieved remarkable success in his baseball career.
Known as one of the sport’s greatest hitters, he debuted in Major League Baseball at age 19. Soto boasts 201 home runs, a 2020 batting title, and five Silver Slugger Awards.
MLB statistics highlight Soto’s dominance. In 4,088 career plate appearances, he has maintained a .285/.421/.532 slash line. His on-base percentage ranks as the best among active Major League players. These achievements make Soto deserving of his historic contract.
Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the New York Mets is a milestone in professional sports.
The contract not only secures his financial future but also reinforces his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as Soto continues to make history on and off the field.