Juan Soto and the New York Mets have reached a historic agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, making it the 12th contract in Major League Baseball history to exceed $325 million. This deal, which is pending a successful physical, sets a new benchmark in sports contracts, surpassing Shohei Ohtani's $700 million deal from the previous winter.
Soto's contract with the Mets does not include any deferred payments. The outfielder declined a $440 million, 15-year offer from the Washington Nationals in 2022 before being traded to the San Diego Padres and then the New York Yankees. Soto, at just 26 years old, became a free agent and secured this record-breaking deal.
Shohei Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed a 10-year, $700 million contract in 2024. This deal includes $680 million in deferred payments payable from 2034-2043, with varying valuation methods for luxury tax, players' association, and MLB regular payrolls.
Mike Trout, a standout with the Los Angeles Angels, agreed to a $426.5 million contract spanning 2019-2030. Despite winning his third AL MVP award in 2019, Trout has faced injury challenges, limiting his playing time in recent seasons.
Mookie Betts, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed a $365 million contract in 2021 after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox. Betts played a key role in the Dodgers' championship victories in 2020 and 2024.
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' captain, secured a $360 million deal from 2023-2031 as a free agent. Judge's performance has been stellar, earning multiple All-Star selections and helping the Yankees reach the 2024 World Series.
Manny Machado, playing for the San Diego Padres, signed a $350 million contract in 2019, with an option to opt out after the 2023 season. Machado's tenure with the Padres has seen him earn multiple All-Star selections and maintain a solid performance record.
Francisco Lindor, now with the New York Mets, agreed to a $341 million contract in 2021 after being traded from the Cleveland Indians. Lindor's performance has been notable, including finishing as the NL MVP runner-up in 2024.
Fernando Tatis Jr., representing the San Diego Padres, signed a $340 million contract in 2021, which was briefly the longest in baseball history at the time. Tatis faced setbacks due to injury and suspension but has shown promise with his on-field performance.
Bryce Harper, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, secured a $330 million contract in 2019. Harper has been a key player for the Phillies, winning his second NL MVP award in 2021.
Giancarlo Stanton, initially with the Miami Marlins and now with the New York Yankees, signed a $325 million contract in 2014. Stanton's career has been marked by injuries, impacting his playing time over the years.
Corey Seager, now with the Texas Rangers, signed a $325 million contract in 2021. Seager played a pivotal role in leading the Rangers to their first World Series title in 2023.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, secured a $325 million contract in 2023, the largest and longest for a pitcher in MLB history. Yamamoto's performance has been notable, with a strong showing in the postseason.
