Juan Soto Signs Record $765 Million Contract

Juan Soto has signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, marking the largest deal in Major League Baseball and professional sports history. This record contract surpasses Shohei Ohtani's previous record of $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Soto's deal is notable for having no deferred payments, resulting in a $51 million average annual value. Soto's contract includes a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the 2029 season, which could potentially increase its value to over $800 million. The Mets' aggressive bidding secured Soto from the Yankees, who offered $760 million over 16 years. Soto, a four-time All-Star, is expected to be a key player alongside Francisco Lindor, enhancing the Mets' competitiveness. This signing reflects the changing landscape of baseball contracts, focusing on younger talent rather than older players, which could signify a shift in how teams approach high-value signings.