Shohei Ohtani impressive contract: Juan Soto shattered Shohei Ohtani’s contract record just one year later. So, how long will Soto’s record stand?
Let’s dive into who, if anyone, could surpass Soto’s mega-deal in MLB.
Shohei Ohtani’s contract to Juan Soto: breaking records
Shohei Ohtani’s groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract redefined the limits of baseball contracts. But in just one year, Juan Soto set a new bar, signing a massive 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
Key highlights of Soto’s contract:
- No deferred money, unlike Ohtani’s.
- Escalators that could push its value to $800 million.
- An opt-out clause that the Mets can void with an extra $40 million.
Soto, alongside his agent Scott Boras, secured sports history’s largest contract. The swiftness with which Ohtani’s record was eclipsed is astonishing but not entirely surprising given Soto’s anticipated payday.
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Who Could Top the Juan Soto Contract?
The question now is, which player could surpass Soto’s $765 million deal? Let’s analyze future free-agent classes to find the next potential superstar.
2025 Free-Agent Class: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. & More
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the standout in the 2025 free-agent class. Although he could land a contract around $300 million, he’s unlikely to match Soto. His hitting isn’t as strong, and he plays a lower-value defensive position.
Other names like Kyle Tucker, Dylan Cease, and Luis Arraez aren’t near Soto’s level either.
2027 Free-Agent Class: Tarik Skubal & Others
Pitcher-heavy with players like Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet. Despite Skubal’s brilliance, he’s 30 with a history of Tommy John surgery.
Position players? Not promising. Alec Bohm, Adolis García, and Randy Arozarena won’t break the bank. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies are technically free agents, but the Braves have club options.
2028 Free-Agent Class: Adley Rutschman
Catchers don’t typically get mega-deals due to their physically demanding role. Joe Mauer’s $184 million contract remains the high watermark, meaning it’s challenging for Adley Rutschman to command Soto money.
Other notable players like Logan Gilbert, Steven Kwan, Ozzie Albies, and Luis Robert Jr. also fall short.
2029 Free-Agent Class: Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson is a solid candidate to break records. He plays a valuable position, will enter free agency in his late 20s, and has Boras as his agent. Entering 2029, his career .268/.346/.504 batting line and defensive skills scream “mega-deal.”
However, surpassing Soto requires consistent performance and market growth.
2030 Free-Agent Class: Jackson Merrill & Elly De La Cruz?
Elly De La Cruz is electrifying but strikeout-prone, while Jackson Merrill had a superb rookie year. Neither seems likely to reach Soto’s level.
Compared to Soto at the same point in his career (.287/.403/.535 hitter with a World Series ring), it’s clear how truly unique Soto is.
2031 Free-Agent Class: Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes is expected to be MLB’s next ace, but injuries make massive pitching deals rare. There’s no clear candidate here yet, six years down the road.
Jackson Chourio could’ve been a contender, but he already signed an extension with the Brewers.
The Trend: Why New York Mets Paid Big for Soto
Aside from Gunnar Henderson, no one in these classes seems poised to outdo Juan Soto’s blockbuster deal. That’s why the Mets and Dodgers broke the bank for their superstars.
Soto’s combination of production, youth, health, and playoff performance is rare. Finding another player like him is akin to spotting Halley’s Comet.
The last time we saw something similar was when Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million deal with the Rangers in 2000. It took over a decade for the market to catch up.
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FAQs About Shohei Ohtani Contract and Juan Soto
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
Juan Soto surpassed Ohtani with his 15-year, $765 million deal.
It’s possible, but unlikely in the short term. Gunnar Henderson might have a shot.
Soto’s youth, consistency, and performance make him a generational talent.
Ohtani is a two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a designated hitter.
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