DALLAS (AP) — The New York Mets made history by signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. The deal, pending a physical, includes a $75 million signing bonus and could reach $805 million if the Mets void Soto's opt-out clause after the 2029 season.
The Mets outbid the rival New York Yankees, who had offered $760 million over 16 years. This move sent shockwaves through the baseball world, with many contemplating the implications for future player contracts.
The Mets' aggressive spending under owner Steve Cohen has raised eyebrows, with other teams now facing the challenge of competing in a market influenced by such significant deals.
While some small-market teams were priced out of the Soto sweepstakes, others are focusing on building well-rounded rosters to compete against high-spending teams like the Mets.
Soto, a key player in the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series win, turned down a $440 million offer from the Nationals in 2022 before being traded to the San Diego Padres and then to the Yankees.
Despite losing out on Soto, the Yankees are still active in the free-agent market, with General Manager Brian Cashman expressing interest in other high-profile clients represented by Soto's agent, Scott Boras.
The Mets' bold move has set the stage for a potentially inflationary free-agent market, with teams navigating the challenges of balancing competitive rosters with financial constraints.
As the baseball world reacts to this record-setting deal, the future of player contracts and team spending remains a topic of intense discussion as the sport looks ahead to the upcoming seasons.
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