This pioneering agreement surpasses the previous record held by Shohei Ohtani, whose $700m (£558m) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers included a significant portion deferred. Such deferred arrangements are common in American sports, but Soto’s contract promises immediate payouts. Other noteworthy contracts include Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes in the NFL, and Jayson Tatum in the NBA, showcasing the growing trend of lucrative deals across professional sports.
Soto, a 26-year-old free agent, previously starred for the New York Yankees, helping them advance to the 2024 World Series. His impactful performance during the season included a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs. In the World Series, he maintained a .313 batting average. Having also played for the Washington Nationals, where he celebrated a World Series title in 2019, Soto has accumulated impressive career statistics, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s elite talents.
With the Mets reportedly outbidding the Yankees, who offered $760m (£595m) for Soto's services, this potential contract underscores Soto's immense value in the league, setting a new benchmark for player contracts in professional sports.
Soto, a 26-year-old free agent, previously starred for the New York Yankees, helping them advance to the 2024 World Series. His impactful performance during the season included a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs. In the World Series, he maintained a .313 batting average. Having also played for the Washington Nationals, where he celebrated a World Series title in 2019, Soto has accumulated impressive career statistics, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s elite talents.
With the Mets reportedly outbidding the Yankees, who offered $760m (£595m) for Soto's services, this potential contract underscores Soto's immense value in the league, setting a new benchmark for player contracts in professional sports.
