Juan Soto, one of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars, is reportedly on the verge of signing the largest contract in professional sports history—a 15-year, $765 million (£600 million) deal with the New York Mets. The agreement, which includes a $75 million signing bonus and no deferred payments, is pending a medical evaluation.

Soto’s Career and 2024 Success

The 26-year-old Dominican outfielder is coming off the best season of his career with the New York Yankees, where he showcased his elite hitting skills. Soto leads all active MLB players with the highest career on-base percentage (OBP) at 0.421. In 2024, he finished second in OBP to his Yankees teammate Aaron Judge and ranked among the top three players in home runs.

Last season, Soto posted a 0.288 batting average across 157 regular-season games, hitting a career-high 41 home runs and driving in 109 runs (RBIs). In the postseason, he continued to impress, batting 0.313 in the World Series with one home run and one RBI, although the Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 4-1 series loss.

A Record-Breaking Contract

Soto’s reported deal eclipses the previous MLB record set by Shohei Ohtani, who signed a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. Unlike Ohtani’s agreement, which included deferred payments, Soto’s contract is fully guaranteed over 15 years and could rise to $800 million (£627 million) with performance bonuses.

Historical Context

If finalized, Soto’s deal would set a new benchmark across professional sports:

• NFL: Patrick Mahomes holds the highest total contract value at $450 million over 10 years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
• NBA: Jayson Tatum signed a five-year, $314 million deal with the Boston Celtics in 2024.
• Football (Soccer): Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly earns over €200 million (£176.5 million) annually with Al-Nassr, while Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract is valued at up to $60 million (£47 million) per year.

Mets Outbid the Yankees

The Yankees made a strong effort to retain Soto, reportedly offering him $760 million (£595 million) over 16 years. However, the Mets outbid their New York rivals, luring Soto across town to bolster their championship aspirations.

Legacy and Achievements

Soto began his MLB career with the Washington Nationals, helping them secure a historic World Series victory in 2019. He later played for the San Diego Padres before joining the Yankees in 2024. Across his career, Soto has played 936 regular-season games, hitting 201 home runs, recording 592 RBIs, and maintaining a 0.285 batting average.

What’s Next?

Pending medical clearance, Soto’s move to the Mets could reshape MLB’s competitive landscape. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Soto’s elite skills contribute to the Mets’ pursuit of a World Series title. This landmark deal not only underscores Soto’s exceptional talent but also cements his status as a generational player in the sport.