Juan Soto reacts to his historic $765m contract with the Mets as he kickstarts booze-filled celebrations
Juan Soto celebrated his blockbuster contract with the New York Mets in style Sunday night.
The superstar slugger inked a reported historic $765million, 15-year deal with the New York franchise after a dramatic free agency following his stunning season with the Yankees.
The deal, which comes after he reached the World Series with the Mets’ cross-town rivals last season, marks the largest deal in professional sports history, beating Shohei Ohtani’s blockbuster commitment to the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.
And, it’s safe to say that the 26-year-old could afford to splash out on a booze-filled celebration.
The beers were flowing Sunday night as Soto toasted his blockbuster payday with friends and family.
In a video shared by Soto’s brother Elian, who is signed to the Washington Nationals’ minor league affiliate, the outfielder could be seen in a hot tub screaming and shouting over his contract.
Juan Soto celebrated his blockbuster contract with the New York Mets in style Sunday night
A member of his entourage then doused the newest member of the Mets in beer as he lifted his arms triumphantly into the air.
A four-time All-Star at age 26, Soto is the most accomplished free agent at that age since shortstop Alex Rodriguez agreed to a record $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas in December 2000 at age 25.
Soto had 41 home runs last year to go with an impressive .418 on-base percentage and league-best 128 runs scored, all of which makes him one of the most coveted free agents in baseball history.
Both New York teams, the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays were battling alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign the slugger, who hit 41 home runs for the Yankees in the 2024 regular season before entering free agency.
But the multi-million-dollar dogfight for his signature has finally come to an end after the Dominican star finally crowned a winner with the Mets’ staggering riches too m uch to refuse.
The outfielder had been a crucial member of the Yankees’ lineup last season, firing the Pinstripes to the World Series alongside Aaron Judge.
And Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and co. had reportedly been desperate to bring him back to the Bronx to launch another offensive at the championship series.
But just a little over a month on from their heartbreak, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, their superstar slipped through their fingers.
The outfielder had been a crucial member of the New York Yankees’ lineup last season
Their reported bid of $760m over 16 years wasn’t enough to prevent Soto from swapping one New York borough for another.
Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks, hitting second in the batting order ahead of Judge to power an offense that led the major leagues with 237 homers.
He hit a go-ahead homer in the AL Championship Series opener against Cleveland and a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the 10th inning that won the pennant against the Guardians in Game 5.
Soto was 19 when he made his major league debut with Washington in 2018 and helped the Nationals win the World Series the following year, when he hit .282 with 34 homers and 110 RBIs.
He turned down Washington’s $440 million, 15-year offer in 2022 and was traded that August to San Diego . Following the death of Padres owner Peter Seidler, Soto was dealt to the Yankees in December 2023 and helped New York reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
