DALLAS — Juan Soto’s arrival to the Mets will be celebrated by the organization with a Thursday afternoon press conference at Citi Field.
The outfielder passed his physical on Wednesday, making official the record 15-year contract worth $765 million to which he agreed over the weekend.
“This is a seminal moment in franchise history,” team owners Steve Cohen and Alex Cohen said in a press release. “Juan Soto is a generational talent. He is not only bringing staggering historical statistics with him, but a championship pedigree.”
Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is seen taking batting practice. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POSTSoto’s contract eclipsed the 10-year deal worth $700 million that Shohei Ohtani received from the Dodgers last winter.
Ohtani’s contract was heavily deferred, dramatically lowering the present-day value.
Explore More
Soto won’t receive deferrals in his deal, but the contract contains an opt-out after the fifth season.
The Mets can void the opt-out by agreeing to raise his base salary from $51 million to $55 million for the final 10 years of the contract.
Soto also received a $75 million signing bonus.
The New York Post back page for Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
“Today’s signing further solidifies our organizational commitment to consistent championship competitiveness,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said in the release. “Not only does Juan provide historic levels of on field production, but his joy, intensity and passion for the game mirror our budding culture.”
Soto, according to an industry source, will receive a $500,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award.
He will receive a $1 million bonus for each MVP award he wins thereafter.
Mets owner Steve Cohen looks on before Game Four of the Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Getty ImagesMets pitchers Mike Vasil and Nate Lavender were both selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Vasil was selected by the Phillies and then traded to the Rays. Lavender was selected by the Rays.
Vasil was left unprotected by the Mets after struggling to a 6.04 ERA last season in 29 appearances for Triple-A Syracuse.
Lavender, a lefty reliever, underwent Tommy John surgery last May.
Rule 5 selections must remain on their new team’s 26-man roster or injured list — otherwise they are offered back to their previous organization.
