The biggest MLB offseason storyline centered around superstar Juan Soto. After being traded by the San Diego Padres in the 2023 offseason, Soto spent a season with the New York Yankees, playing a key role in their World Series run.
Despite his success in the Bronx, Soto opted to test free agency, drawing interest from multiple teams. Ultimately, he signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets—the largest deal in professional sports history.
When asked about his former teammate’s contract as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole kept it simple: “It’s large,” he told ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
In addition to the Mets and Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers also pursued Soto. The Yankees reportedly offered a 16-year, $760 million deal, but the Mets’ offer, though a year shorter, provided more total money and included a $75 million signing bonus.
Cole, who signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees before the 2020 season, is no stranger to massive deals. However, Soto’s contract surpasses all others, eclipsing the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers.
The Yankees and Mets will face off for the first time this season in a three-game series beginning May 16 in the Bronx.
Be the first to comment