When Steve Cohen bought the New York Mets in 2020, he promised to make the franchise a behemoth on and off the diamond. On Sunday, Cohen delivered on that pledge in historic fashion, agreeing to terms with superstar outfielder Juan Soto on a 15-year, $765 million contract. But this record deal cements the Mets as perennial contenders and highlights Cohen’s unrelenting quest to land the game’s best.
Soto’s deal, which includes no deferrals, has an opt-out after the 2029 season. It tops the Yankees’ reported 16-year, $760 million offer and establishes a Major League Baseball record in both total value and average annual value at $51 million. If Soto doesn’t opt out after 2029, the deal could increase to $805 million over 15 years and increase the AAV to $53.66 million.
This seismic move comes as the Mets seek to build on a 2024 campaign that saw them fall just two wins shy of a World Series berth. Soto, widely regarded as one of the best hitters in modern baseball, instantly bolsters the team’s lineup and cements their status as serious title contenders.
Soto’s Journey to Queens
The 26-year-old Soto has been a generational talent since bursting onto the scene with the Washington Nationals as a teenager back in 2018. He led the Nationals to their first-ever World Series title back in 2019, earning several Silver Slugger Awards along the way. His career has showcased consistent offensive excellence.
Soto joined the Yankees via trade last offseason following a stint with the San Diego Padres. This was nothing short of spectacular as he recorded career highs in home runs (41), runs scored (128), and bWAR (7.9) this 2024 season in pinstripes. His postseason heroics, including a clutch three-run homer in the ALCS, propelled the Yankees to their first pennant in 15 years.
Despite all that success in the Bronx, the Mets outbid their crosstown rivals by offering Soto a combination of financial security and competitive ambition that nobody else could match.
Impact on the Mets’ Lineup and Roster
In New York, Soto projects to fit into right field, with Tyrone Taylor shifting to center and Brandon Nimmo to left. He’ll also join Francisco Lindor and Nimmo in the top third of the batting order, creating one of the most fearsome offensive trios in baseball.
Soto’s bat brings immediate credibility to a team hungry for a championship. However, the Mets’ offseason work is far from over. While the lineup looks potent, the pitching rotation remains a concern. The current staff, headlined by Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Frankie Montas, will need reinforcements if the Mets are to compete deep into October. Additionally, the team faces a decision on whether to re-sign star slugger Pete Alonso in free agency.
A Historic Milestone
Soto’s deal is the biggest in MLB history, surpassing previous record contracts and over doubling the Mets’ previous highest payout-a 10-year, $341 million deal for Francisco Lindor. It is a reflection of Cohen’s willingness to open his wallet in pursuit of the ultimate prize in baseball: a World Series title.
Since taking over, Cohen has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating record payrolls and expanding the Mets’ influence. Soto’s signing is the latest and boldest step in his quest to make the Mets the envy of the league.
Soto’s Legacy and Potential
Soto’s career numbers put him in some rarefied air. His.285/.421/.532 slash line and 160 career OPS+ are among the best in MLB history among players through their age-25 season. Hall of Famers like Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, and Jimmie Foxx are among his peers in this elite category.
Defensively, Soto has been a liability for a few years now, as the outs above average ranking has been around the bottom of the league for outfielders. The plate discipline and power, though, are unmatched that it makes up for the defense.
The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees will be turned to scorching hot when Soto puts on orange and blue in 2025. That next meeting will come May 16 in the Bronx, in a game the entire baseball world will have circled.
For Cohen, though, the job is not complete. He’s still out to build a championship roster. With Juan Soto now in Queens, the Mets are more than serious contenders-they’re rewriting the standards of what a baseball franchise can do.
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