Juan Soto, the dynamic Dominican baseball star, is on the verge of signing what may become the most lucrative contract ever in sports history. The New York Mets reportedly agreed to a staggering $765 million (£600 million) over a span of 15 years, according to multiple reports from sources in the United States. However, the franchise has yet to publicly confirm the deal pending Soto's completion of a medical examination.
The MLB's official site noted that Soto would receive a $75 million signing bonus, with all payments during the contract period ensured and no deferred amounts. This contract surpasses the previous record held by Shohei Ohtani, who secured a $700 million (£558 million) deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, albeit with a significant portion deferred.
In professional sports, Soto's potential contract sets a new benchmark. The sports landscape has seen other notable high-value contracts, such as Dak Prescott's recent four-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $240 million (£183 million), and Patrick Mahomes’ historic 10-year extension for $450 million. In basketball, Jayson Tatum recently agreed to a five-year deal worth an impressive $314 million (£245 million). Soccer also features hefty deals, with Cristiano Ronaldo earning a reported £176.5 million annually at Al-Nassr and Lionel Messi with a contract at Inter Miami that could reach $60 million a year.
Before signing with the Mets, Soto played for a season with the New York Yankees, where he showcased his talents by leading them to the 2024 World Series, albeit in a losing effort against the Dodgers. The Yankees had made a competitive bid of $760 million (£595 million) over 16 years to retain Soto's services, but the Mets ultimately prevailed in securing the star player.
Soto's impressive stats include a .288 batting average across 157 games last season, with a remarkable career-high of 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in (RBI). He also contributed significantly in the World Series, boasting a .313 batting average and demonstrating his ability as a key player.
In total, Soto has competed in 936 regular-season games, accumulating 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and maintaining a .285 batting average. His impressive journey includes earlier stints with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres, as well as a pivotal role in the Nationals’ unexpected triumph over the Houston Astros in the 2019 World Series. The upcoming financial boon signaled by Soto’s contract reflects the deepening financial ties of sports to global economics and raises questions about the future of athlete compensation.
The MLB's official site noted that Soto would receive a $75 million signing bonus, with all payments during the contract period ensured and no deferred amounts. This contract surpasses the previous record held by Shohei Ohtani, who secured a $700 million (£558 million) deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, albeit with a significant portion deferred.
In professional sports, Soto's potential contract sets a new benchmark. The sports landscape has seen other notable high-value contracts, such as Dak Prescott's recent four-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $240 million (£183 million), and Patrick Mahomes’ historic 10-year extension for $450 million. In basketball, Jayson Tatum recently agreed to a five-year deal worth an impressive $314 million (£245 million). Soccer also features hefty deals, with Cristiano Ronaldo earning a reported £176.5 million annually at Al-Nassr and Lionel Messi with a contract at Inter Miami that could reach $60 million a year.
Before signing with the Mets, Soto played for a season with the New York Yankees, where he showcased his talents by leading them to the 2024 World Series, albeit in a losing effort against the Dodgers. The Yankees had made a competitive bid of $760 million (£595 million) over 16 years to retain Soto's services, but the Mets ultimately prevailed in securing the star player.
Soto's impressive stats include a .288 batting average across 157 games last season, with a remarkable career-high of 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in (RBI). He also contributed significantly in the World Series, boasting a .313 batting average and demonstrating his ability as a key player.
In total, Soto has competed in 936 regular-season games, accumulating 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and maintaining a .285 batting average. His impressive journey includes earlier stints with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres, as well as a pivotal role in the Nationals’ unexpected triumph over the Houston Astros in the 2019 World Series. The upcoming financial boon signaled by Soto’s contract reflects the deepening financial ties of sports to global economics and raises questions about the future of athlete compensation.
