The New York Mets’ acquisition of star right fielder Juan Soto not only shattered financial records but also set new standards for player contracts in Major League Baseball. Soto’s groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract, which could escalate to $805 million, includes unique perks extending far beyond the playing field — even reaching his family vetting the fact that the Mets agreed to whatever he wanted.
According to reports, Mets owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns were determined to secure Soto and went beyond traditional offers. The deal guarantees Soto a private suite at Citi Field for the next 15 years, along with 22 premium Delta Club seats, symbolizing his iconic jersey number. Additionally, enhanced security arrangements will protect both Soto and his entire family at home and on the road.
A particularly intriguing element of the deal, though unconfirmed, is a rumored “family services” clause. This provision may include charter flights for his family to attend road games and even a clothing allowance for his mother, Belkis Pacheco. It’s been noted that Soto’s family, especially his mother, developed a close bond with Cohen and his wife, Alex, during negotiations.
Mets cave into every Soto demand
Soto’s deal also includes a $75 million signing bonus, with no deferred payments — a rarity in contracts of this magnitude. His annual salary averages $55 million, with potential increases if he opts out after five years. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has reportedly taken a keen interest in the contract’s financial complexities.
Soto’s value is undeniable. His .288/.419/.569 slash line, 41 home runs, 128 runs scored, and 109 RBIs in 2024 earned him an impressive 8.1 Fangraphs WAR. At just 26 years old, his career WAR of 36.3 ranks fifth among active players, making his contract a high-risk, high-reward venture for the Mets.
But Yankees stand their ground
The Mets narrowly outbid the Yankees, who reportedly offered a 16-year, $760 million package. However, New York’s other team refused to include a personal suite, citing policy.
“Some high-end players that make a lot of money for us, if they want suites, they buy them,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.
Despite losing out on Soto, the Yankees made notable acquisitions themselves, including left-handed ace Max Fried, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and closer Devin Williams.
Yankees ceded minimal in Max Fried’s $218M deal
Max Fried
While the Yankees missed Soto, they made a significant splash by signing All-Star left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the deal features a $20 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.
Max Fried’s contract flexibility
The Yankees cleverly structured Fried’s deal, paying him $12 million annually in 2025 and 2026 before increasing his salary to $29 million per year for the final six seasons. This strategic move gives the Yankees immediate payroll flexibility while ensuring long-term security for the All-Star pitcher.
Max Fried
New York Yankees$218M/8 years
Signing Bonus – $20M (payable $10,M-1/31/25; $10M-1/31/26)
$12,000,000 – 2025
$12,000,000 – 2026
$29,000,000 – 2027
$29,000,000 – 2028
$29,000,000 – 2029
$29,000,000 – 2030
$29,000,000 – 2031
$29,000,000 – 2032Full No Trade
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2024
Fried, known for his dominance on the mound, brings a stellar resume to the Bronx. During his first eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Fried earned three Gold Gloves, two All-Star selections, and a World Series title. His 2022 season saw him finish second in Cy Young voting with a 2.48 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts in 185.1 innings.
Despite injuries limiting him to just 14 starts in 2023, Fried rebounded impressively in 2024, earning another All-Star selection with a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts over 174.1 innings.
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Fried, who turns 31 next month, pairs with ace Gerrit Cole to form one of the most formidable starting rotations in baseball. The Yankees, still stinging from a World Series loss to the Dodgers, are banking on Fried’s consistency and playoff experience to push them over the top.
Even with Soto wearing Mets blue, the Yankees’ offseason haul could prove decisive. While Fried fortifies the rotation, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams add crucial offensive and bullpen depth, respectively.
As the 2025 MLB season approaches, New York’s baseball rivalry has reached unprecedented heights. With Soto redefining player contracts and Fried anchoring the Yankees’ rotation, the battle for baseball supremacy in the Big Apple is only heating up.
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