Juan Soto, the Dominican baseball prodigy, has made headlines worldwide with the announcement of his monumental contract with the New York Mets. The 26 year old outfielder has secured the largest deal in sports history, surpassing even the most lucrative contracts in football, basketball, and other sports. Let’s break down the details of Soto’s historic $765 million deal and explore the reasons behind this eyepopping contract.
Juan Soto’s Record Breaking $765 Million Deal
The New York Mets have gone all in on Juan Soto, offering him a 15year contract worth a staggering $765 million. This deal sets a new precedent in sports, making Soto the highest paid athlete in the world. The agreement also includes a massive $75 million signing bonus, solidifying Soto’s status as one of the most valuable players in Major League Baseball.
This $765 million contract, which spans 15 years, is the largest in the history of sports—surpassing previous records in football, basketball, and other major leagues. For context, Soto’s deal eclipses the $700 million agreement Shohei Ohtani received last year. In terms of annual value, Soto’s contract translates to an average of $51 million per year, and if he opts out of the contract in 2029, the deal could rise to a total of $805 million, bringing his annual value to $55 million.
What Does Soto’s Contract Breakdown Look Like?
At $765 million, Soto will earn approximately $314,815 per game throughout the length of his contract. To put this in perspective, based on his 2024 performance, Soto will make about $1.2 million per home run, $467,890 per RBI, and $307,229 per hit. His extraordinary pay also translates to $671,053 for every extrabase hit, and even when Soto swings and misses, he still earns $46,322 per bat swing. Of course, these numbers are based on Soto maintaining his health and performance level over the coming years.
The Journey to Becoming the HighestPaid Athlete
Juan Soto’s rise to this historic deal has been one of the most fascinating stories in recent sports history. Soto made his MLB debut at just 19 years old with the Washington Nationals. His exceptional performance, which consistently landed him in the MVP race, cemented him as one of the best hitters in the league. Despite turning down a $440 million offer from the Nationals in 2022, Soto’s career continued to soar, leading to his trade to the San Diego Padres and, ultimately, his freeagent status at the age of 26.
Soto's contract with the Mets stands as one of the most impressive feats of sports management. His deal is not just notable for the total amount, but also because he is only 26 years old, allowing the Mets to build their future around a generational talent. His longterm potential as a consistent top performer makes the deal a lucrative investment for the Mets.
The Impact of Soto’s Age and Talent on the Deal
What sets Soto’s contract apart from others in MLB history is his age. Players typically sign massive contracts in their late 20s or early 30s, but Soto’s deal comes at the prime of his career—while he’s still only 26. This provides the Mets with a young superstar who can deliver both immediate results and longterm success.
In 2024, Soto posted 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .288 batting average, solidifying his reputation as one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Over the next 15 years, the Mets are betting that Soto will continue to perform at an elite level, making this contract a cornerstone of their future.
Soto’s Contract in Comparison to Other Sports Contracts
While Soto’s $765 million deal is the largest contract in MLB history, it still doesn't surpass some of the highest paying contracts in other sports. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo is reported to earn $260 million annually with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, with most of that money coming from commercial deals and image rights. In the NBA, Steph Curry and Jaylen Brown will earn upwards of $60 million per year, and Jason Tatum’s Supermax contract will net him $315 million over five years. Even Lionel Messi, with his deal in Major League Soccer, is estimated to make $135 million a year when factoring in his salary and off field deals with Apple and Adidas.
