Juan Soto joins Mets on record-breaking $765 million deal as Yankees fall short

In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball and the global sports world, Juan Soto has reportedly agreed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, as per sources. This announcement comes ahead of the Winter Meetings.

The deal, pending a physical, surpasses Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers signed last winter, which included substantial deferrals.

Ohtani's contract was valued at $460 million in present-day terms by MLB due to the deferrals.

Soto’s contract, sources reveal, includes an opt-out clause after the fifth year, with no deferrals involved.

Following the 2029 season, Soto can exercise his opt-out option if the Mets do not increase his salary from $51 million to $55 million for the remaining 10 years of the contract.

In the first five years of his contract, Soto will earn $305 million, which includes a $75 million signing bonus, averaging $61 million annually during that period.

At 26 years old, Soto will become a cornerstone for the Mets, joining Francisco Lindor to form a formidable lineup duo that could rival or even surpass any other in baseball.

Soto had a similar role last season with the Yankees, where he partnered with Aaron Judge to help lead the team to its first World Series appearance since 2009.

The Yankees made a strong effort to retain Soto, with managing partner Hal Steinbrenner increasing their offer to $760 million over 16 years, which was more than double the contract they had given Judge (nine years, $360 million) during the 2023 free agency period.

However, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s aggressive offer ultimately prevailed, delivering a major victory for a franchise long overshadowed by the Yankees’ dominance.

Cohen previously made waves by giving Francisco Lindor a 10-year, $341 million contract after acquiring the All-Star shortstop from Cleveland, a deal that stood as the largest in Mets history until Soto's agreement.

Last season with the Yankees, Soto delivered an impressive performance, hitting a career-high 41 home runs and achieving a .288/.419/.569 slash line.