Juan Soto signs with Mets on a historic 15-year, $765 million deal
Juan Soto Signs Record-Breaking $765 Million Contract with New York Mets
Juan Soto in his New York Mets uniform
Juan Soto has made headlines with a monumental move, leaving the New York Yankees to sign a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This historic deal sets a new benchmark, making Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history and the top earner across all professional sports based on total contract value.
This contract eclipses the record previously held by Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers last year on a 10-year, $700 million deal. Soto’s new agreement boasts an impressive $51 million average annual value (AAV) with no deferred payments, as reported by MLB insider Mark Feinsand. Additionally, the contract includes an opt-out clause following the 2029 season, offering Soto flexibility in the later years of the deal.
Soto's Place Among the World’s Richest Athletes
Soto’s record-breaking contract solidifies his status as one of the wealthiest athletes globally, surpassing the total contract values of iconic stars like Lionel Messi, Patrick Mahomes, and Karim Benzema.
Top 10 Largest Professional Sports Contracts by Total Value:
Juan Soto, New York Mets (MLB): 15 years, $765 million
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 10 years, $700 million
Lionel Messi, Barcelona (Soccer): Four years, $674 million (2017–2021)
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL): 10 years, $450 million
Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad (Soccer): Two years, $426 million
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (MLB): 12 years, $426.5 million
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 12 years, $365 million
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (MLB): Nine years, $360 million
Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (MLB): 11 years, $350 million
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (MLB): 10 years, $341 million
Juan Soto
Potential for an $800 Million Contract
Soto’s deal could grow even larger. Reports indicate that while Soto has the option to opt out after 2029, the Mets retain the ability to void this opt-out by increasing his annual salary to $55 million for the remaining 10 years of the contract. Should this clause be triggered, the total value of the deal would surpass $800 million, further cementing Soto's place in the history of professional sports contracts.
This move not only represents a significant milestone in Soto’s career but also underscores the Mets' determination to dominate the MLB landscape in the years to come.
