Oct 19, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates after making the final out to beat the Cleveland Guardians during game five of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

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Biggest contracts in sports history ft. Juan Soto

Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets place him among the world’s richest athletes.

After weeks of speculation, Juan Soto’s future has been decided, and it’s a blockbuster move. The four-time All-Star has left the New York Yankees to join their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets, in a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal.

This historic contract not only makes Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history but also the top earner in all professional sports based on total contract value.

Soto’s deal surpasses the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.

BREAKING: Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2024

Soto’s new contract carries a $51 million average annual value (AAV) with no deferrals, as reported by MLB insider Mark Feinsand. The deal also includes an opt-out clause after the 2029 season.

Also Read: Top 5 biggest free-agent contracts in MLB history ft. Juan Soto

This agreement cements Soto’s place among the world’s richest athletes, with his total contract value eclipsing those of global superstars like Lionel Messi, Patrick Mahomes, and Karim Benzema.

Here’s a list of the top 10 biggest contracts in professional sports based on total value:

Juan Soto, New York Mets (MLB): 15 years, $765 million
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 10 years, $700 million
Lionel Messi, Barcelona (Soccer): Four years, $674 million (2017 to ’21)
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL): 10 years, $450 million
Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad (Soccer): Two years, $426 million
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (MLB): 12 years, $426.5 million
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 12 years, $365 million
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (MLB): Nine years, $360 million
Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (MLB): 11 years, $350 million
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (MLB): 10 years, $341 million

Juan Soto’s contract could hit $800 million in future

While Soto’s $765 million deal is a record, it could shoot up to 800 million in the future. According to reports, Soto can opt out of the contract after the 2029 season. However, the Mets have a unique clause to keep him locked in. They can void the opt-out by increasing his annual salary from $51 million to $55 million for the remaining 10 years of the deal. If that happens, Soto’s total contract value would go past $800 million.

Image Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Juan Soto

Lionel Messi

Patrick Mahomes

Shohei Ohtani

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.