Juan Soto is set to make history with a reported $765m (£600m) 15-year contract with the New York Mets. This deal eclipses previous records and has drawn significant attention in the world of sports. Multiple sources have disclosed the details, although the Mets have yet to officially confirm it due to Soto's medical requirements. The MLB website reveals that Soto will receive a $75m signing bonus with no deferred money, potentially reaching a total value of $800m (£627m). This total value surpasses the $700m (£558m) 10-year contract that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, with Ohtani deferring $680m (£541m) of the amount. Deferred-money deals are common in American sports and Soto's new deal is now considered the largest in professional sports in total value.

Some of the Other Big Contracts in Sports

In the NFL, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the highest-paid player in history in September by agreeing to a four-year contract extension worth $240m (£183m). In 2020, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension worth $450m, which was the biggest contract in NFL history at the time. In the NBA, the Boston Celtics tied Jayson Tatum to a new five-year deal worth $314m (£245m). And in football, Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract with Al-Nassr until 2025 that is reportedly worth more than 200m euros (£176.5m) per year, while Lionel Messi's deal at Inter Miami is reportedly worth up to $60m a year.

Juan Soto's Journey Before the Mets

Soto was a free agent after spending last season with the New York Yankees. He played a crucial role in helping the Yankees reach the 2024 World Series, but they ultimately lost 4-1 to the LA Dodgers. According to the MLB, the Yankees offered Soto a $760m (£595m) deal over 16 years to re-sign him, but the Mets outbid them. In his first full season with the Washington Nationals, Soto helped cause an upset by leading them to win the 2019 World Series. He has played 936 regular-season games in total, scoring 201 home runs, registering 592 RBIs, and having a 0.285 batting average. Last season, in 157 regular-season games, he had a 0.288 batting average, hitting a career-high 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in. In the World Series, he had a 0.313 batting average, with one home run and one RBI. Soto has played for the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres before joining the Yankees.

The Impact of Soto's Contract on the Mets

This massive contract signing by Juan Soto is a significant event for the New York Mets. It not only brings a star player to the team but also sets a new benchmark in terms of contract values. The Mets are now expected to build around Soto and aim for greater success in the future. With his impressive batting average and home run record, Soto is expected to be a key contributor to the Mets' lineup. His presence could attract more fans and boost the team's popularity. Additionally, the deal may have implications for the team's salary cap and financial planning. It will be interesting to see how the Mets manage to utilize Soto's talent and make the most of this lucrative contract.