As outlined by MLB sources, Soto's contract includes a staggering $75 million signing bonus with the possibility of the total deal reaching up to $800 million (£627 million). This surpasses last year's record held by Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million (£558 million) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers featured a significant deferred payment structure. Soto's agreement notably lacks such deferred payments, setting a new precedence in contract negotiations.
This contract could redefine financial expectations in sports, drawing parallels to other high-profile deals within the realm of American sports. Among them, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had previously held the record for the most lucrative deal in NFL history with a four-year contract worth approximately $240 million (£183 million). Other monumental contracts include Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' 10-year extension valued at $450 million and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's five-year agreement for $314 million (£245 million).
Before joining the Mets, Soto played for the New York Yankees, contributing to their run to the 2024 World Series, despite a loss to the LA Dodgers. The Yankees reportedly attempted to retain Soto with a $760 million (£595 million) offer over a longer 16-year period, highlighting the fierce competition for his talent.
In terms of his on-field performance, Soto concluded last season with a commendable batting average of .288 over 157 regular-season games, showcasing his prowess with 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in. His World Series performance was equally impressive, with a .313 batting average bolstered by one home run and an additional RBI.
Soto's career has spanned 936 regular-season games, yielding 201 home runs and a batting average of .285. With this new impending contract, he is set to solidify his place among the sport's greats.
This contract could redefine financial expectations in sports, drawing parallels to other high-profile deals within the realm of American sports. Among them, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had previously held the record for the most lucrative deal in NFL history with a four-year contract worth approximately $240 million (£183 million). Other monumental contracts include Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' 10-year extension valued at $450 million and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's five-year agreement for $314 million (£245 million).
Before joining the Mets, Soto played for the New York Yankees, contributing to their run to the 2024 World Series, despite a loss to the LA Dodgers. The Yankees reportedly attempted to retain Soto with a $760 million (£595 million) offer over a longer 16-year period, highlighting the fierce competition for his talent.
In terms of his on-field performance, Soto concluded last season with a commendable batting average of .288 over 157 regular-season games, showcasing his prowess with 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in. His World Series performance was equally impressive, with a .313 batting average bolstered by one home run and an additional RBI.
Soto's career has spanned 936 regular-season games, yielding 201 home runs and a batting average of .285. With this new impending contract, he is set to solidify his place among the sport's greats.
