NEW YORK – Four-time MLB All-Star outfielder Juan Soto has agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year 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 per year at that time. Soto will receive a $75 million signing bonus, payable after the deal is approved by the commissioner’s office, The associated press reported.
The New York Yankees reportedly offered Soto $760 million over 16 years. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers were also would have interested in signing Soto, 26, the best free agent hitter on the market and considered by many generations of talent.
A five-time Silver Slugger, Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs and produced 109 RBIs for the Yankees in 2024, his only the season in the Bronx after being acquired in a blockbuster seven-player trade with the San Diego Padres after the 2023 season.
Soto three-run home run in Game 5 of the 2024 ALCS, he finally clinched the Yankees’ 41st American League pennant. The Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series in five matches.
Soto debuted in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, where he became one of the most feared power hitters in the majors. In roughly four and a half seasons with Washington, Soto totaled 119 home runs and an elite .538 slugging percentage. He was the cleanup hitter on 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.
