Juan Soto celebrated his record-breaking contract with the New York Mets in grand fashion on Sunday night.
The 26-year-old slugger signed a historic $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets after an electrifying free agency period, fresh off a standout season with the Yankees. The deal not only marks the largest in professional sports history, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s massive contract with the Dodgers, but also solidifies Soto’s status as one of the game’s top talents.
Soto made sure to celebrate in style, enjoying a booze-filled party with friends and family. In a video shared by his brother Elian, a minor leaguer in the Nationals organization, Soto is seen in a hot tub, jubilantly shouting about his new deal. At one point, a friend poured beer over him as he raised his arms triumphantly.
A four-time All-Star by the age of 26, Soto is the most accomplished free agent of his age since Alex Rodriguez signed a $252 million, 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers at 25. Soto’s remarkable 2024 season included 41 home runs, a .418 on-base percentage, and a league-leading 128 runs scored, making him one of the most sought-after players in baseball history.
The competition for Soto’s signature was fierce, with the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers all vying for the Dominican star. Soto had played a key role for the Yankees last season, forming a formidable duo with Aaron Judge and helping lead the team to the World Series. Despite the Yankees offering $760 million over 16 years to retain him, the Mets’ staggering offer proved irresistible.
Soto’s numbers with the Yankees last season were nothing short of elite: a .288 batting average, 41 homers, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. He was instrumental in the team’s postseason run, hitting crucial home runs in both the AL Championship Series and the pennant-clinching game against Cleveland.
Since debuting with the Nationals at 19, Soto has already had a storied career. He helped Washington win the World Series in 2019 and famously turned down a $440 million offer from the Nationals in 2022, leading to his trade to San Diego. After a brief stint with the Padres, he joined the Yankees in late 2023 and now begins his next chapter with the Mets.
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