DALLAS — Star outfielder Juan Soto has agreed to a record-breaking 15-year contract worth $765 million with the New York Mets, making it the largest deal in team sports history, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The contract is contingent on Soto passing a physical exam.
Under the terms of the deal, Soto has the option to opt out after the 2029 season unless the Mets increase the value of the contract to $805 million by raising the average annual salary by $4 million each year. Soto will also receive a $75 million signing bonus once the contract is approved by the commissioner’s office.
This agreement surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was signed last December. Soto’s contract is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, with an average annual value of $51 million, as it does not include deferred payments. It also exceeds the $340 million, 14-year deal that Fernando Tatis Jr. signed with the San Diego Padres.
The New York Yankees had offered Soto $760 million over 16 years, which had a $47.5 million average annual value, according to another source familiar with the negotiations.
At 26, Soto is the most accomplished free agent of his age since Alex Rodriguez signed a record $252 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers in 2000. Soto made his MLB debut at 19 with Washington in 2018 and played a key role in their World Series victory the following year. He turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer from Washington in 2022 and was traded to San Diego before moving to the Yankees in December 2023.
Soto’s impressive performance helped New York reach the World Series for the first time since 2009, hitting .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. Over his seven MLB seasons, he has a .285 average with 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and 769 walks.
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