Juan Soto is staying in New York, but not with the Yankees, after agreeing the most lucrative deal in professional sports.
ESPN claim the outfielder has opted to sign for the Mets on a 15-year contract worth a reported $765million. The deal has an opt-out after five years and no deferred money, according to ESPN.
Soto spent last season with the Yankees, playing a key role in their run to the World Series. He hit 41 home runs, 109 RBIs and 128 runs. The team attempted to keep him in pinstripes, offering a reported $760m over 16 years, but the 26-year-old decided to move across town.
This is perhaps the most unique moment in the history of the New York Mets. I told you from day one that Steve Cohen was not about to be the little brother in town. He was taking dead aim at the Yankees and everyone else. It’s on.
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) December 9, 2024
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Scramble for Soto
After hitting free agency, he became the most sought-after player in the game with the Mets, Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers all making offers to take Soto.
The Dominican has been one of the standout players in the game since making his debut for the Washington Nationals in 2018.
He was a key factor in their World Series success a year later before moving to the San Diego Padres, and then the Yankees.
Across seven seasons, he has hit .285 with 201 homers and 592 RBIs.
Richest deal in sports
Soto’s deal tops that given to two-way star Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers. Ohtani agreed terms on a $700m, 10-year contract last winter but 97 per cent of his money will be deferred for 10 years, lowering its realtime value.
Aside from what the Mets will gain on the field, the deal represents a significant shift in the New York market with the Yankees having the upper hand for so long.
The Mets’ multi-billionaire owner Steve Cohen has flexed his muscles like never before.
Mets broadcaster Howie Rose wrote on X: “This is perhaps the most unique moment in the history of the New York Mets.
“I told you from day one that Steve Cohen was not about to be the little brother in town. He was taking dead aim at the Yankees and everyone else. It’s on.”
