Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) walks during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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

A record breaking Sunday in MLB!

Baseball’s biggest stars are earning bigger paychecks than ever, and Juan Soto’s latest deal proves it. The New York Mets made headlines by signing Soto to a record-breaking contract worth $765 million over 15 years, setting a new benchmark in MLB history. From Shohei Ohtani’s massive deal last year to Soto’s historic signing, these contracts show that there is no limit to spending when it comes to signing superstar players.

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

Let’s take a look at the top five biggest free-agent contracts in MLB history:

5. (tie) Corey Seager, Texas Rangers: 10 Years, $325 Million

Seager signed a mouth-watering deal after completing a dream season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. His run with the Dodgers that season saw him slashing .306/.394/.521 with 16 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a .915 OPS in 95 games which led to him signing a historic deal at the age of 27.

Also Read: Dodgers sign Michael Conforto for $17M; what does this mean for Soto and Teoscar pursuits?

4. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: 13 Years, $330 Million

Bryce Harper’s move to the Phillies was a landmark moment in free agency history. His 13-year, $330 million contract proved to be worth every penny as he led the Phillies to a World Series appearance in 2022 and earned NLCS MVP honors.

3. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: 9 Years, $360 Million

Aaron Judge’s historic 62-home run season in 2022 earned him this blockbuster extension from the Yankees. The deal made Judge the highest-paid position player at the time.

Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 Years, $700 Million

Before Soto’s record-breaking deal, Shohei Ohtani held the crown with a $700 million contract signed with the Dodgers last season. The deal turned out to be a masterstroke for the Dodgers as Ohtani led the franchise to the World Series title in his first season, earning the MVP award along the way.

1. Juan Soto, New York Mets: 15 Years, $765 Million

After a month of speculation and rumors, the Mets shocked the baseball world by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal. The agreement not only makes Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history but also makes it the biggest contract in all professional sports.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Juan Soto

New York Mets

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.