BREAKING: The NEW YORK METS are signing free agent Juan Soto to a 15 year, $765M deal
Mets OF Juan Soto, via ESPN.com
Mets Owner Steve Cohen has FINALLY got his guy. The Mets have agreed to terms with free agent Juan Soto to a historic record-breaking contract for 15 years, $765M, with an annual value of $51M. It is the richest contract ever given to a player, beating Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700M contract from last offseason. After a back-and-forth bidding war with primarily the New York Yankees, the Mets beat their crosstown rivals for the marquee free agent. It is intriguing to see Soto join the Mets, considering the distance between the Mets and Yankees offers was not far; the Yankees reportedly offered a 16-year deal worth $760M with an annual value of $47.5M. The difference was about one year and $52.5M. It seems Soto wanted the money and believes in the Mets long-term. The accepted offer from the Mets also includes an opt-out for Soto in 2029, after the fifth year of the season. He can opt out or opt for a $4M raise for the remainder of the seasons left, which will value the contract up to $805M. Soto will likely do this, so essentially, this is a 15-year deal worth up to $805M. The Yankees reportedly had the lead on Soto the entire weekend until Sunday evening when Steve Cohen submitted the offer, per Andy Martino.
This was the move that Mets owner Steve Cohen had been desperately waiting for. After missing out on big free agents like SS Carlos Correa, DH Shohei Ohtani, and SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cohen was looking for a big addition to show baseball fans that he’s no joke. It’s reminiscent of George Steinbrenner’s acquisition of Reggie Jackson in 1976, which led to two championships and Jackson earning the nickname “Mr. October” for his great performances in the postseason. This move legitimatized Steinbrenner as one of the dominant owners in baseball.
Although this move is huge for the Mets, this does not guarantee anything. They are still not favorites to win the NL, to be a top 3 team in the conference, or to win their division. This signing is the first of many moves the Mets will have to make this offseason to be legit championship contenders. The Dodgers are still the favorites and have bolstered their rotation by signing SP Blake Snell. Free agents like SP Corbin Burnes, SP Max Fried, and SP Sean Manaea remain available. The Mets must come away with at least one to legitimize themselves heading into the 2025 regular season. Longtime Mets 1B Pete Alonso continues to await in free agency and is seeking a new contract. There is still lots of room for improvement for the Mets this offseason. Juan Soto was used to batting with MVP Aaron Judge behind him in the lineup, he will not have that level of comfort anymore.
It was a great signing for the Mets, but I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear from Steve Cohen.
