On Sunday, December 8, the New York Mets signed Juan Soto for a 15-year, $756 million contract. It is the most lucrative team sports deal in history. Soto previously played for the New York Yankees, but for the steep signing deal, he was eager to move to Queens.
The Mets have a track record for shelling out big bucks to secure impressive talent. The team’s owner, Steve Cohen, paid an impressive $341.8 million for his roster in the 2024 season. He has also signed a $341 million 10-year contract with shortstop Fransisco Lindor, $130 million for Max Scherzer, and $86.7 million for Justin Verlander in the past.
The Mets had a strong 2024 season, overcoming a 34-35 record to make the playoffs. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league, having scored 768 runs in the NL East club – the seventh most in baseball history. He’s also a patient hitter with an impressive rate of scoring walks 18.1% of the time. In comparison, the league average is just 8.4%. He also holds a low strikeout record, at just 16.7%, significantly lower than the league average of 22.2%.
Soto is also a strong offensive player. Adding him to the Mets’ roster could make the team unstoppable. In 2024, Soto drove 190 runs for the Yankees, helping them secure the 3rd highest offensive score in the league.
The Mets have only won two World Series—in 1969 and 1986. For decades, they have sat in the shadow of the Yankees. Having secured Soto, they are making moves to establish themselves as New York’s dominant baseball team.
Soto isn’t just desirable due to his offensive skills and a hit against the Yankees. He’s also 26, making him one of MLB’s youngest free agents. With an impressive career ahead of him, Soto is gearing up to make baseball history and finally turn the Mets around.
