Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Juan Soto signs with Mets on a record 15-year, $765M deal, Yankees miss out

Juan Soto secures historic 15-year, $765M deal with the Mets.

Juan Soto has agreed to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The deal, finalized at the start of the Winter Meetings in Dallas, is yet to be confirmed by the club.

This contract surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, which previously held the record for the largest contract in MLB history. Soto’s deal includes no deferrals and a $75 million signing bonus, according to sources.

Mets, OF Juan Soto agree to 15-year deal, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/wK4QdDqL8h
— MLB (@MLB) December 9, 2024

The Yankees, who benefited from Soto’s bat in their 2024 World Series run, reportedly offered him $760 million over 16 years but fell short of the Mets’ aggressive bid. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported the Yankees’ efforts to retain Soto before the Mets swooped in.

Juan Soto’s record-breaking performance in 2024

Soto’s dominance in 2024 solidified his status as baseball’s top free agent. After joining the Yankees via a trade with the Padres last December, Soto delivered a career-high 41 home runs. He also recorded 128 runs scored, 76 extra-base hits, and a 7.9 bWAR—figures that placed him among the league’s best in these categories.

In the postseason, Soto’s impact was just as significant. He hit .327 with a 1.102 OPS across 64 plate appearances. Notable moments include a game-winning three-run homer in the 10th inning of ALCS Game 5 against the Guardians, which helped the Yankees secure their first pennant in 15 years.

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 career stats underscore his reliability at the plate. Over 4,000 plate appearances, he has maintained a .285/.421/.532 slash line—the best on-base percentage among active players. His 160 career OPS+ ranks eighth in MLB history for players under 25, putting him alongside legends like Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, and Mike Trout.

From Washington to the Hall of Fame trajectory

Soto’s journey started in 2015 when the Nationals signed him as a 16-year-old international free agent. By 19, he was in the majors, hitting 22 home runs with a .923 OPS in his rookie year—the best ever by a teenager with at least 400 plate appearances. He didn’t stop there.

Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets includes no deferred money, according to sources, and has escalators that can reach above $800 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2024

In 2019, he hit 34 homers at age 20. Three of those came in the World Series, including a pivotal shot against Justin Verlander in Game 6. That season ended with the Nationals hoisting their first championship trophy. Soto was the centerpiece of it all.

Mets’ statement signing

The Mets’ signing of Juan Soto signals a seismic shift in New York baseball. Owner Steve Cohen’s ambitious move strengthens the Mets’ position as contenders for years to come. Soto will join forces with Francisco Lindor, the NL MVP runner-up, setting expectations for a deep postseason run in 2025 and beyond.

Breaking: Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell @jeffpassan.

It is the largest deal in professional sports history. pic.twitter.com/JjwUbhEIpn
— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2024

For the Yankees, it’s a gut punch. They mortgaged their future to get Soto, trading prospects and Cy Young contender Michael King for one season of stardom. It almost worked—they made it to the World Series but came up short. Now, they’re left scrambling for answers while the Mets look like the kings of the city.

How close was the Yankees’ offer to the Mets’ deal?

Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets left many stunned. The deal set a new record in professional sports, but the Yankees’ final offer wasn’t far behind. According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees proposed a 16-year, $760 million deal. This offer had an extra year but fell $5 million short of the Mets’ total. The proximity of the two offers raises questions about what influenced Soto’s decision.

Yankees bid $760M for 16 years. Soto is a Met.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2024

Did the Mets offer a more compelling vision, or was it purely about financial structure? Soto’s reasons remain unclear, but the Yankees’ efforts to retain him were significant. The Mets’ final push, however, proved decisive.

Dodgers miss out, sign Conforto as an alternative

The Mets weren’t the only team pursuing Juan Soto. He attracted strong interest from the Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Yankees. After losing out on Soto, the Dodgers signed Michael Conforto as an alternative. Conforto, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Mets, hit .237 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs for the Giants in 2024.

With this move, the Mets solidify their roster, while the Dodgers look to regroup after missing out on the offseason’s biggest prize.

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Natasha Bose

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