Juan Soto Leaves Yankees For Record-Breaking $765 Million Contract With Mets [WATCH]

MLB superstar Juan Soto announced he is leaving the New York Yankees to join the New York Mets under a record-breaking 15-year contract worth $765 million.

The deal, finalized during MLB’s annual winter meetings, is the largest total contract in professional sports history and could surpass $800 million with bonuses and incentives.

Breaking: Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell @jeffpassan.

It is the largest deal in professional sports history. pic.twitter.com/JjwUbhEIpn

— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2024

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Soto’s contract eclipses the $700 million deal signed by Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who made headlines as a two-way player excelling both as a pitcher and hitter.

Ohtani’s deal included significant deferred payments, reducing its present-day value to approximately $450 million.

Soto’s agreement, however, does not include similar deferrals, solidifying it as the largest contract in the sport by total value.

Soto, 26, debuted with the Washington Nationals at just 19 years old and immediately made an impact, helping lead the team to a World Series championship during his rookie season.

In that postseason, Soto batted .277 with a .373 on-base percentage, a .554 slugging percentage, five home runs, and 14 RBIs, including three home runs in the World Series.

After several standout seasons, the Nationals opted for a rebuild in 2022, trading Soto to the San Diego Padres.

He continued to excel, contributing to more postseason success.

Soto was later traded to the New York Yankees following the 2023 season, where he led the team to a World Series appearance this past fall.

“I think Juan Soto looked at the New York Mets’ future … and believed that the Mets have a better future than Yankees.”@JeffPassan tells @notthefakeSVP on why Soto chose the Mets over the Yankees despite only a $5M difference pic.twitter.com/lL4bXmARGD

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 9, 2024

Soto’s new contract with the Mets sets a new benchmark in sports contracts, surpassing the total value of Ohtani’s deal and the previously historic agreements in international soccer.

Juan Soto will become the highest paid player in MLB history pic.twitter.com/dj6jikJojb

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 9, 2024

Lionel Messi signed a $674 million four-year deal with Barcelona in 2017, and Cristiano Ronaldo inked a 2.5-year contract worth over $536 million with Saudi soccer club Al Nassr in 2023, making him the highest-paid athlete on a yearly basis at over $214 million.

Soto’s 15-year deal averages $51 million per year, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in terms of both total value and annual payout.

The Mets’ acquisition of Soto signals a major shift in their long-term strategy.

Known for his consistent performance and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, Soto is expected to be the centerpiece of the Mets’ lineup for years to come.

The deal also underscores the ongoing trend of escalating player contracts in professional sports.

As market dynamics and revenue streams continue to evolve, the bar for the highest-paid athletes will likely rise further, making Soto’s record-setting contract another milestone in the ever-increasing financial landscape of professional sports.

Soto’s move across town from the Yankees to the Mets sets up an intriguing rivalry between the two New York teams.

Juan Soto celebrating his record-breaking contract

(via eliansoto_10/IG) pic.twitter.com/jTcjCnVyoX

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 9, 2024

Both franchises are now armed with star power and are poised for contention in the upcoming seasons.

Mets fans are hopeful Soto’s arrival will help the team secure a World Series title, adding to the legacy of one of baseball’s brightest stars.

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