The New York Mets have signed superstar Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in professional sports history. The deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the 2029 season, which the Mets can void by increasing the contract's value. Soto's contract surpasses previous records set by Shohei Ohtani and marks him as the first MLB player to secure a $500 million-plus deal. The Mets' acquisition of Soto is expected to trigger a flurry of activity in the MLB free agent market.
Juan Soto's free agency decision is imminent, with the star outfielder expected to choose his team before the MLB winter meetings. The New York Yankees, Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers are in contention for Soto, whose contract could exceed $600 million over 15 years. His agent, Scott Boras, has been in discussions with multiple teams, and the deal is anticipated to set a new benchmark in the free-agent market.
Former Brewers closer Josh Hader has signed a five-year, $95 million deal with the Houston Astros, making it the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in MLB history. Hader, who previously played for the Padres, returns to the Astros organization where he began his professional career. With an impressive track record, including multiple All-Star appearances and dominant performances, the 29-year-old left-hander is set to bolster the Astros' bullpen as their new closer.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the top pitcher in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, has signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the largest deal ever given to a pitcher in MLB history. The Dodgers beat out the Mets and Yankees in the bidding, and Yamamoto will join fellow Japanese star Shohei Ohtani in LA. The contract includes a $50 million signing bonus and two opt-outs, with no deferrals. Yamamoto's arrival strengthens the Dodgers' already formidable roster, which includes Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, making them the favorites to win the World Series in 2024.
Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to sign a record-breaking contract with an MLB team, with multiple sources predicting the bidding to exceed $300 million. Yamamoto, known for his unmatched track record and youth at just 25 years old, has garnered interest from teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and more. His success in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, along with the history of successful transfers from NPB to MLB, has instilled confidence in teams willing to invest heavily in him. With his impressive pitching arsenal and ability to command his pitches, Yamamoto is seen as a safe bet for future success in the major leagues.
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball star known for his exceptional skills as both a hitter and pitcher, has signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal highlights the growing recognition of Japanese players in the international game and the confounding economics of professional sports. While Ohtani's contract may pose challenges for the Dodgers in terms of revenue generation, the team hopes that his talent, combined with other star players, will lead to multiple World Series victories and establish Ohtani as the face of the franchise for years to come.
Fans in Japan celebrate Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with hopes of seeing him play in the World Series. Supporters lined up to buy special editions of newspapers and visited Ohtani's high school to take photos of a monument displaying his handprint. The contract surpasses previous sports records and makes Ohtani the highest-paid player in MLB history. Despite recovering from surgery, Ohtani's popularity and marketability continue to rise, generating excitement among fans and advertisers alike.
Shohei Ohtani has signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting a new financial record in baseball. The deal includes an average salary of $70 million, surpassing the previous high of $43.3 million. Ohtani's agreement also includes deferred money to lower the Dodgers' luxury tax payroll. The signing comes after months of speculation and makes Ohtani's contract the largest in sports history, surpassing soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Ohtani, a two-time AL MVP, joins a star-studded Dodgers lineup and aims to bring long-term success to the team.
Paul Skenes, the No. 1 pick in the recent MLB draft, has signed a record-setting contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will receive a $9.2 million signing bonus, the largest in MLB history. This surpasses the previous record of $8.4 million set in 2020. The Pirates selected Skenes based on his impressive performance and power arsenal. This signing comes as part of the Pirates' youth movement, as they have recently promoted several first-round picks to the majors.
Nicole Lynn, the President of Football for Klutch Sports Group, made NFL history by brokering Jalen Hurts' record five-year, $255 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the league's highest-paid player. Lynn, who has been with Hurts since the beginning of his NFL journey, is a groundbreaking agent who emphasizes preparation for life outside of football and has been celebrated for her holistic approach to managing her clients. She was the first woman to join PlayersRep, one of the top agencies in the NFL at the time, and became the first Black woman to represent a player in the Super Bowl when Hurts and the Eagles went to Super Bowl 57.
Many in MLB believe that Shohei Ohtani will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency next winter on a deal that could be worth at least $600 million. The Dodgers, who had an unusually quiet offseason, could potentially clear enough payroll to avoid going over the competitive balance tax in 2024 and add a massive salary to their roster. Ohtani, who won AL MVP in 2021, is expected to shatter the record for the largest contract signed by an athlete in North American professional sports.
