Who is Juan Soto, the baseball player who just signed the biggest contract in sports history?

Melisa DecanMelisa Decan|published: Wed 19th March, 09:02 2025
Photo: shutterstockPhoto: shutterstock

Summary

Dominican baseball player Juan Soto has signed a record-breaking contract with the New York Mets, surpassing all in the history of the sport.

This monumental contract spans 15 years for an impressive amount of $765 million.

It surpasses contracts of famous athletes like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani.

This signing redefines the standards of sports transactions across all disciplines.

When a record-breaking contract redefines professional sports

With an unimaginable amount, the world of sports has just reached a new milestone. Dominican baseball player Juan Soto has signed a historic contract with the New York Mets, surpassing all previously established records, even those of big stars like Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé. But what makes this signing so significant?

Juan Soto signs a record-breaking contract with the New York Mets

Coming from the Dominican Republic, Juan Soto has consistently proven to be an extraordinary talent since his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB). This young player, with an incredible sense of the game and a formidable batting, quickly became an unavoidable asset for the New York Yankees. But when the time came to discuss his future, a decisive choice presented itself.

Although the Yankees tried everything to keep him with an expensive offer, Soto decided to join an even more ambitious team: the New York Mets. With this signing, the Mets confirm their ambition to be among the most feared franchises in global baseball. This major transfer, already widely commented on, represents much more than a simple team change: it illustrates Soto's desire to make history in his sport.

The details of an extraordinary contract

A number seems to have been made for eternity: $765 million (€726 million). This stratospheric amount, spread over a duration of 15 years, far surpasses previous records. However, the details of the contract reveal a much more complex negotiation strategy. Soto will receive an immediate bonus of $75 million, reaffirming the Mets' commitment to investing in him in the long term.

Nevertheless, everything is not set in stone: a clause allows the player to leave the team as early as the fifth year if he wishes. And to top it all off, in the event of an extension beyond the initial contract, his annual salary will automatically be readjusted upwards. This type of agreement, much more flexible than it appears, highlights the evolution of negotiations in professional sports.

A record surpassing Messi and Mbappé

Juan Soto's contract not only surpasses MLB records, but also those of great icons in other disciplines. Shohei Ohtani, one of the rising stars of baseball, previously held the title of largest contract with $700 million over 10 years. In football, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé had also pushed the limits with $667 million and $600 million respectively for shorter periods.

Adding Karim Benzema's $600 million transfer to Saudi Arabia into the mix, it is clear that Soto's contract surpasses them all. This signing is not just a financial whim: it illustrates a profound change, where baseball, often more discreet on a global scale, makes its way onto the podium of the most lucrative sports.

A turning point in sports history

Beyond the numbers, this contract offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of professional sports. The New York Mets, known for their limitless ambition, are betting on Juan Soto to write a whole new chapter in their history. But this signing does more than strengthen a team: it redefines the standards of agreements in all sports disciplines.

Records, like legends, are made to be surpassed. At only 26 years old, Juan Soto seems determined to leave his mark both on the field and in the annals of global sports!


ad banner
home who-is-juan-soto-the-baseball-player-who-just-signed-the-biggest-contract-in-sports-history