Is Juan Soto Worth The Largest Contract In Sports History?

Is Juan Soto Worth The Largest Contract In Sports History?

Juan Soto is officially a New York Met. While chaos ensues in the five boroughs, we need to ask a major question. Can the 26-year-old live up to becoming the highest-ever paid player in all of North American sports? Everyone knew that Steve Cohen has money to spend. The Mets have transformed themselves into a team on the upswing after taking the Dodgers to six games in the 2024 NLCS. Now, they have the biggest fish since Shohei Ohtani last Winter. Without deferrals, Soto’s deal will count for $51 million annually for the next fifteen years.

Last year, the “Generational” had a career year in the Bronx. It was arguably the best walk-year performance since his former teammate Aaron Judge in 2022. Rather than batting behind the two-time MVP, Soto will instead likely bat after Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who had his best season since the move in 2024. Combined with young star Mark Vientos, and the chance of bringing back longtime cornerstone Pete Alonso, there is a real shot that this lineup is among the best in the game. It undoubtedly means that the NL East is the best division in baseball. Even with the Dodgers and Padres out west, the Mets combined with the Phillies and a fully healthy Braves squad means there will be an absolute gauntlet unfolding next Spring.

Do The Dollars Make Sense?

Soto played in the short porch at Yankee Stadium’s right field last season, earning a nod as a Gold Glove finalist. The expectation is he would remain there at Citi Field for the foreseeable future. David Stearns even went out and picked up Dominican compatriot Jose Siri to play in center field as a compliment. His left-handed power is undoubtedly a fit for a DH role down the road. Then comes the real questions. Are you comfortable paying over $50 million a season for an aging designated hitter who’s limited in the outfield? I think anyone would pay Ohtani his $700 million for the value he also provides as a lightning-fast runner on the base paths and (hopefully) as a pitcher starting next season.

Funny enough Soto was able to see firsthand what his future could look like with Giancarlo Stanton. The 2017 NL MVP excelled in the postseason, as his seven home runs are the most by a Yankee ever in a single playoff run. However, he would only ever suit up as a DH and didn’t play one game in the outfield. He was also out injured for two months during the regular season. Over the years it often led to frustrating moments for the player, team, and fans.

At the end of the day, prolific lefty hitters do not grow on trees. It is a premium position that Steve Cohen and the Mets were more than willing to pay for. His star will only continue to grow in New York City as he looks to win championships in Flushing.

Juan Soto is in the history books for better or worse. Mets fans have every reason to celebrate as they have completed arguably the biggest free agent signing we will ever see.

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