What is Juan Soto net worth after the astounding transfer to the Mets? In a surprising move, one of the top talents in MLB just traded the New York Yankees for their big rival, the New York Mets.
Juan Soto is a Dominican MLB star and was fundamental in the Yankees run to the World Series that culminated with a loss to the Dodgers. Becoming a free agent after the season ended, Soto had to make a decision on whether he accepted Yankees new deal or would move elsewhere and he made the unthinkable: he moved to the Mets.
Soto made the biggest contract in MLB history, which surpassed the one of Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers.
Juan Soto’s record-breaking contract includes unique details beyond its $765 million guarantee. Key terms include no deferred money, a $75 million signing bonus, and an opt-out clause after the 2029 season.
If Soto opts out, he will have earned $305 million over five years, averaging $61 million annually. However, the Mets can void the opt-out by increasing the final 10 years’ annual salary from $51 million to $55 million, boosting the total contract value to $805 million with a $53.66 million AAV.
Juan Soto Contract With New York Mets
Juan Soto’s free agency ended with a historic splash Sunday night as the star outfielder signed a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. The deal, which includes a $75 million signing bonus, no deferred money, and an opt-out after five years, sets a new record as the largest contract in sports history.
The Mets narrowly outbid the Yankees, whose 16-year, $760 million offer fell short despite being competitive. The contract’s annual average value (AAV) of $51 million also outshines the Yankees’ $47.5 million AAV. The Mets’ deal could escalate to $805 million if Soto’s salary is increased to $55 million annually starting in 2030.
Soto’s agreement dwarfs all previous MLB contracts, including Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal with the Dodgers, which had a significantly reduced present-day value due to deferred payments. For Mets owner Steve Cohen, baseball’s richest owner with a $21 billion net worth, the signing solidifies the team’s ambitions while aiming to reverse last season’s attendance decline.
The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, who were all heavily in the mix for Soto, are now pivoting to alternative targets. The Yankees are pursuing Christian Walker, Alex Bregman, and potentially Cody Bellinger, while the Red Sox are targeting pitchers like Max Fried or Corbin Burnes. The Blue Jays are focusing on adding hitters like Anthony Santander or Teoscar Hernández.
With Soto aboard, the Mets have secured the crown jewel of free agency, cementing themselves as the biggest winner of the offseason and setting the stage for a transformative 2025 season.
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
Who Is Juan Soto?
Juan Soto, one of the brightest stars in baseball, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Belkis Pacheco and Juan Soto Sr. Growing up in a country that produces more major leaguers than anywhere else, Soto idolized Dominican legends Manny Ramirez and Robinson Canó and his friends nicknamed him “Little Robbie”.
His father played a big role in teaching him how to hit, pitching bottle caps to him. Raised in a tough neighborhood, Soto’s mom kept a close eye on him and limited his outdoor activities.
Undeterred, he invented indoor baseball games, made a ball out of paper and tape and hit it down the hallway while pretending to run the bases. His love for the game grew as he went with his father to men’s softball games and his dad would throw him batting practice before the game.
He was a righty but his father told him to bat and throw lefty for an edge. It worked, he signed with the Washington Nationals for $1.5 million at 16.
Juan Soto Career In MLB
Juan Soto quickly became one of MLB’s brightest stars after debuting with the Washington Nationals in 2018 at just 19 years old. In his rookie season, he hit .292 with 22 home runs in 116 games, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Soto’s ascent continued, earning him accolades as the youngest player to win the NL batting title in 2020 with a .351 average, leading the league in on-base percentage (.490) and slugging percentage (.695). By 2021, he batted .313 with a .999 OPS and was runner-up for NL MVP.
Known for his exceptional hitting, Sports Illustrated in 2022 called him “the greatest hitting prodigy since Ted Williams,” with comparisons to legends like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. By 2023, Soto was a three-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger recipient.
First World Series And Move To San Diego
In 2019, Soto was instrumental in the Nationals’ first World Series championship in 95 years, hitting .333 with a 1.178 OPS during the series and earning co-MVP honors for the postseason. However, the Nationals’ 2022 offer of a record 15-year, $440 million extension was declined, leading to his trade to the San Diego Padres at the deadline. The trade dismantled the remnants of the Nationals’ 2019 championship team.
Soto initially struggled with the Padres, hitting .236 after the trade, but rebounded in 2023 with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .930 OPS.
Moving To The Yankees
In December 2023, Soto was traded to the New York Yankees, where he had a career-best 2024 season, hitting 41 home runs, driving in 109 RBIs, and posting a .989 OPS. His clutch playoff performance, including a decisive three-run homer in the ALCS, helped the Yankees reach the World Series.
Soto’s journey, from a teenage phenom to one of baseball’s premier hitters, is defined by his historic achievements and pivotal contributions to championship teams. Now he moves to the New York Mets in the biggest contract in professional sports history.
Juan Soto 2024 Stats
Juan Soto proved his worth in 2024, delivering standout performances for the New York Mets. His 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and elite .419 OBP established him as one of the most well-rounded hitters in MLB.
Despite not leading in all categories, Soto’s efficiency and power were critical for his new team. His performance justified the Mets’ record-breaking investment, making Soto the centerpiece of their offense.
Here is a comparison of his stats in 2024 regular season compared with other 3 top performers of MLB: Shohei Ohtani from LA Dodgers, Bryce Harper from Philadelphia Phillies and Pete Alonso from New York Mets.
At-Bats (AB)
Juan Soto recorded 576 at-bats, showing his consistent presence in the Mets’ lineup. Shohei Ohtani led this category with 636 at-bats, followed closely by Pete Alonso with 608. Bryce Harper contributed 550 at-bats, the lowest among the four. Despite fewer at-bats, Soto’s efficiency made him a standout.
Runs Scored (R)
Soto scored an impressive 128 runs, which placed him second only to Ohtani, who led with 134. This statistic highlights Soto’s ability to get on base and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Harper and Alonso scored 85 and 91 runs, respectively, contributing solidly to their teams’ offenses.
Hits (H)
Shohei Ohtani tallied the most hits with 197, but Soto wasn’t far behind, delivering 166 hits for the Mets. Bryce Harper and Pete Alonso followed with 157 and 146 hits, respectively. Soto’s hitting consistency was crucial for his team.
Home Runs (HR)
Soto hit 41 home runs, showcasing his power at the plate. Although Ohtani dominated this category with 54 home runs, Soto’s numbers placed him well ahead of Harper (30) and Alonso (34). This power-hitting ability made Soto a key player for the Mets.
Runs Batted In (RBI)
In terms of RBIs, Soto produced 109, a close second to Ohtani’s 130. His ability to drive in runs was a critical asset for the Mets’ success. Alonso added 88 RBIs, while Harper contributed 87, both solid but trailing Soto.
Stolen Bases (SB)
While stolen bases weren’t a focus for Soto, he still managed 7, tying with Harper. Ohtani stood out with an astonishing 59 stolen bases, showcasing his versatility. Alonso, however, only stole 3 bases, highlighting his limited contribution in this category.
Batting Average (AVG)
Soto recorded a strong batting average of .288, placing him just behind Ohtani’s .310, the highest among the group. Harper’s average of .285 was slightly lower than Soto’s, while Alonso’s .240 reflected his focus on power over contact.
On-Base Percentage (OBP)
Soto excelled in OBP, leading all players with .419. His exceptional plate discipline was evident, giving him an edge over Ohtani (.390), Harper (.373), and Alonso (.329). This stat further cemented Soto’s status as a complete hitter.
On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
Soto’s OPS of .988 placed him second to Ohtani’s 1.036. This combination of power and plate discipline highlighted Soto’s all-around impact. Harper and Alonso lagged behind with .898 and .788, respectively.
Juan Soto Net Worth
So what is Juan Soto net worth now? If Soto’s signing bonus is paid upfront and assuming his first-year salary adds to his earnings, deducting taxes and agent fees, his estimated net worth could rise significantly from the reported $10 million.
Adding the signing bonus and first-year income (post-tax), Soto’s adjusted 2024 net worth could be around $40–50 million.
Endorsements and Brand Deals
As of 2024, Juan Soto has a growing portfolio of endorsement deals with several major brands, including Secrets Resort & Spa, Under Armour, Intuit QuickBooks, Wilson, Walgreens, Topps, Tap Sports Baseball ’21, Lids, Wells Fargo, Sorare MLB, and GoDominicanRepublic. According to Sportico, these partnerships contribute an additional $3 million to Soto’s annual earnings, showcasing his marketability both on and off the field.
Future For The Dominican Star In The MLB
Juan Soto’s historic $765 million contract with the New York Mets is a transformative moment not only for his career but also for Major League Baseball. For the Mets, the acquisition of Soto represents a bold commitment to sustained success, signaling owner Steve Cohen’s intent to solidify the team’s position as a perennial contender. Soto’s impact will extend beyond the field, likely boosting attendance, merchandise sales, and the franchise’s overall marketability. His presence alongside the team’s existing core positions the Mets as one of the most formidable teams in the league.
From a league-wide perspective, Soto’s deal sets a new benchmark for player contracts, pushing the financial boundaries of the sport. It underscores MLB’s growing willingness to reward generational talent with unprecedented sums while also raising the stakes for other franchises seeking to compete at the highest level. Soto’s ability to perform under immense expectations could further cement his reputation as a modern icon, akin to legends like Ted Williams and Ken Griffey Jr.
The deal also intensifies the spotlight on player mobility and contract dynamics in MLB. With lucrative opt-out clauses and salary adjustments built into deals like Soto’s, players and teams alike will need to navigate a shifting landscape where flexibility and long-term planning are paramount.
For the Mets, Soto is not just a player but a franchise cornerstone who could define an era. For MLB, his record-shattering contract signals the league’s continued evolution, paving the way for future stars to push boundaries both on the field and at the negotiating table.
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