MLB’s Record-Breaking Contracts: Juan Soto’s $765 Million Deal with the Mets Shatters All Expectations!

The ten biggest contracts in MLB history showcase the financial commitment teams are willing to make for elite talent, with Juan Soto’s staggering $765 million deal with the New York Mets leading the pack. This record-setting contract, spanning 15 years, surpasses the previous longest deal held by Fernando Tatis Jr. by a full year, ensuring Soto remains a key figure in the sport until he is 40 years old.

(Note: these values are based on data from Spotrac.com)

1. Juan Soto, New York Mets: $765 million over 15 years (reported)

• Soto’s contract not only sets a new benchmark in MLB history but also highlights the Mets’ ambition to build a championship-caliber roster around him.
• Career stats: .285/.421/.532, 201 HRs, 592 RBIs, 769 BBs, 395 XBH, 160 OPS+
• Five-time Silver Slugger, Four-time All-Star
• Three top-five finishes in MVP voting
• 2020 batting champ
• Led MLB in walks three times, on-base percentage twice, slugging once, OPS once

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: $700 million over 10 years

• Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers marks a significant chapter in his career, where he aims to replicate his dual-threat success in a new environment.
• Stat line after deal (2024): .310/.390/.646/, 54 HRs, 130 RBIs, 99 XBH, 59 SBs
• Career pitching line (did not pitch in 2024): 38-19, 481.2 IP, 3.01 ERA, 608 K, 1.082 WHIP
• One of just nine players in MLB history with multiple 40-HR and 20-SB seasons
• Three-time unanimous MVP (only player to win unanimously multiple times)
• Ohtani’s remarkable power at the plate has redefined expectations for two-way players.
• Four-time All-Star
• Two-time AL MVP (2021, 2023); NL MVP (2024)
• Three-time Silver Slugger
• Fourth in 2022 AL Cy Young voting

3. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: $426.5 million over 12 years

• Trout’s contract, signed in 2019, reflects the Angels’ commitment to their franchise player, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances.
• Stat line after extension (2019): .281/.397/.598/.995, 138 HRs, 306 RBIs, 168 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Four-time All-Star, 2019 AL MVP, Two-time Silver Slugger
• Has missed 417 out of a possible 870 possible games

4. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: $365 million over 12 years

• Betts’ impressive deal came after a successful tenure with the Red Sox, culminating in a World Series title during his first season with the Dodgers.
• Stat line after extension (2021): .288/.373/.527/, 116 HRs, 322 RBIs, 145 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, Finished top-five in MVP voting twice, 2022 Gold Glove, Two-time Silver Slugger

5. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: $360 million over nine years

• Judge’s historic 2022 season, where he set an AL record with 62 home runs, solidified his value and led to this substantial contract.
• Stat line after deal (2023): .300/.438/.666/, 95 HRs, 219 RBIs, 204 OPS+
• Notables since extension: 2024 AL MVP, Two-time All-Star, 223 OPS+ in 2024 was highest by a right-handed hitter in MLB history

6. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres: $350 million over 11 years

• Machado’s lucrative deal reflects the Padres’ strategy to build a competitive team through significant investments in star players.
• Stat line after extension (2023): .267/.322/.467/, 59 HRs, 196 RBIs, 116 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Silver Slugger

7. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: $341 million over 10 years

• Lindor’s contract with the Mets signifies a fresh start after his time with the Indians, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in New York.
• Stat line after extension (2021): .259/.336/.461/, 110 HRs, 359 RBIs, 86 SBs, 122 OPS+
• Notables since extension: 2024 MVP runner-up, Two-time Silver Slugger

8. Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres: $340 million over 14 years

• Tatis Jr.’s massive deal reflects the Padres’ hopes for a bright future, despite a rocky start to his career marked by injuries and a suspension.
• Stat line after extension (2021): .271/.341/.514/, 88 HRs, 224 RBIs, 65 SBs, 134 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Two-time All-Star, One-time Gold Glove, Silver Slugger

9. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: $330 million for 13 years

• Harper’s move to the Phillies marked a significant shift in the MLB landscape, as he became the face of a franchise eager to reclaim its glory.
• Stat line after deal (2019): .285/.391/.533/, 152 HRs, 455 RBIs, 149 OPS+
• Notables since extension: 2021 NL MVP, 2022 NLCS MVP, Two-time All-Star, Three-time Silver Slugger

T-10. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins/New York Yankees: $325 million over 13 years

• Stanton’s contract, once the richest in MLB history, showcases the Marlins’ ambition before his trade to the Yankees, where he continues to be a power hitter.
• Stat line after extension (2015): .249/.334/.516/, 275 HRs, 704 RBIs, 131 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, 2017 MVP, 2022 All-Star Game MVP, 2017 Silver Slugger

T-10. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers: $325 million over 10 years

• Seager’s signing with the Rangers solidified his status as a key player, especially after his playoff heroics, making this contract a pivotal moment for the franchise.
• Stat line after deal (2022): .280/.350/.524, 96 HRs, 253 RBIs, 143 OPS+
• Notables since extension: Three-time All-Star, 2023 World Series MVP, 2023 MVP runner-up, 2023 Silver Slugger

T-10. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers: $325 million over 12 years

• Yamamoto’s contract represents a significant investment by the Dodgers, reflecting their confidence in his ability to transition successfully from Japanese baseball to the MLB.
• At 25 years old, he was posted by the Orix Buffaloes last winter following one of the most dominant stretches in Japanese baseball history. He was a three-time Pacific League Most Valuable Player and has a lifetime ERA of 1.82.
• Stat line after deal (2024): 7-2, 90 IP, 3.00 ERA, 105 K, 1.111 WHIP

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