Free agent outfielder Juan Soto has reportedly reached an agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, which is the largest deal in professional sports history, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan Sunday (December 8) night.
"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," Passan wrote on his X account. "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."
Soto spent the spent the past season with the New York Yankees after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres last offseason. The Yankees were among the favorites to sign him along with the crosstown rival Mets and were reported to have offered a 16-year, $760 million deal, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand.
The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies were all reported to be among potential suitors for Soto.
Soto set career highs in hits (166), home runs (41) and wins above replacement (7.9) during his lone season with the Yankees, helping the franchise make its first World Series appearance since 2009. The Mets finished third in the National League East Division standings and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team before being eliminated by the Dodgers in the NLCS.