Juan Soto signs biggest contract in sports history

The 26-year-old outfielder’s contract surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million Dodgers deal.

Juan Soto has signed the biggest contract in sports history with New York Mets who agreed to a huge 15-year deal worth $765 million with the Dominican Republic player. The deal keeps him until 2039 in New York.

The 26-year-old outfielder’s contract surpasses Shohei Ohtani $700 million Dodgers deal. Unlike Ohtani, Soto’s deal has no deferred payment. He also has an opt-out option after five years.

The Mets can also extend his contract by $4 million a year if they choose. Soto is a four-time All-Star and had a great 2024 season with the Yankees.

The contract architect, super agent Scott Boris negotiated a deal with a $75 million bonus. Soto’s annual average value of $51 million stands at 17th place in the North American sports competitions, placing him alongside top sportsmen like Jalen Hurts and just behind Lionel Messi’s $60 million annual gain.

Met’s owner Steve Cohen, who is worth $21.3 billion, made this possible. He’s known for his big expenses. Last year he paid a $101 million luxury tax. He outbid teams like the Yankees and Dodgers for Soto.

Soto is a four-time All-Star and had a great 2024 season with the Yankees as he batted .288, hit 41 home runs, and scored 128 runs. He’s also among the best in baseball and is only the eighth player to hit over 200 home runs before turning 26.

Soto’s big break started in 2015 when the Washington Nationals signed him as a 16-year-old where he quickly became a star and won the World Series in 2019 and the National League batting title in 2020 with a .351 average.

He also ranks fifth all-time in walk rate and 17th in on-base percentage, showing he knows how to work the count.

Juan Soto’s Contract: By the Numbers

• Total Contract Value: $765 million
• Contract Length: 15 years (through 2039)
• Signing Bonus: $75 million
• Average Annual Value (AAV): $51 million
• Potential Maximum Value: $805 million (if Mets exercise contract extension)
• Opt-Out Clause: After 5 years
• Opt-Out Mitigation: Mets can void by adding $4 million per year for final 10 years
• Guaranteed Status: 100% guaranteed
• Unique Features: No deferred money, unlike comparable contracts

Contract Comparisons                                  

• Previous MLB Record: Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million (97% deferred)
• Previous MLB Contract Length: 14 years (Fernando Tatis Jr.)
• Soto’s Rank: 17th in North American sports leagues by AAV

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram