DALLAS — On Sunday evening, as many in baseball were arriving in Texas, two words began circulating throughout the industry: Soto. Mets.
Details quickly emerged, revealing a long-anticipated pairing between one of baseball’s premier hitters and one of its most ambitious teams. The Mets agreed to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with Juan Soto, finalized Wednesday after a physical. This contract, the largest in MLB history, includes a $75 million signing bonus, a full no-trade clause, an opt-out after five years, and no deferred payments. Additionally, the Mets can void Soto’s opt-out clause after 2029 if they raise the annual value of the deal’s final 10 years from $51 million to $55 million, potentially increasing the total value to $805 million.
“This is a seminal moment in franchise history,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “Juan Soto is a generational talent, bringing both remarkable stats and a championship pedigree. Our fanbase is thrilled to welcome him to Queens. Congratulations, Juan.”
This unprecedented commitment reflects the franchise’s ambition under Steve Cohen, who has worked tirelessly to make the Mets both competitive on the field and a destination for the game’s biggest stars. Soto was seen as the transformative piece needed to solidify the Mets as perennial contenders. Even after falling two wins short of a World Series berth in October, Cohen’s pursuit of Soto remained relentless, driving his price beyond what teams like the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees were willing to pay. The Yankees reportedly offered 16 years and $760 million, but the Mets’ guarantee of $51 million annually set a new MLB record.
While Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason, most of that money was deferred, making Soto’s contract the largest by both real-world value and total guarantee. It more than doubles the previous Mets record of Francisco Lindor’s $341 million deal.
Soto’s achievements speak for themselves. He debuted with the Nationals at 19, hitting 22 home runs in 116 games, and won a World Series at 20. Over seven seasons with Washington, San Diego, and New York, Soto has earned five Top 10 MVP finishes and is still just 26. His career OPS+ of 160 ranks eighth in MLB history for players through age 25, placing him among legends like Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, and Mike Trout. With a .285/.421/.532 career slash line, Soto’s combination of power, patience, and consistency convinced the Mets to make their historic investment.
Soto’s prime years are expected to align perfectly with the Mets’ competitive window, and his arrival instantly elevates the team’s World Series aspirations. The Mets, fresh off a near-pennant season, are likely to continue adding talent, including potentially re-signing Pete Alonso and acquiring more pitching, in an already fiercely competitive NL East.
The signing has already made waves beyond baseball. NBA star and lifelong Mets fan Donovan Mitchell celebrated the news on social media, reflecting the excitement Soto brings to Queens. Once the subject of jokes, the Mets have swiftly transformed into a destination franchise—a perfect union of a superstar in his prime and an owner unwilling to accept anything less than success.
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