DALLAS — Juan Soto's addition to the Mets will be celebrated by the Mets with a press conference Thursday afternoon at Citi Field.
The outfielder passed a medical exam on Wednesday, making official the record-setting 15-year contract he agreed to over the weekend, worth $765 million.
“This is a landmark moment in franchise history,” team owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a press release. “Juan Soto is a generational talent. Not only does he bring incredible historic statistics, but he also brings a championship pedigree.”
Soto's contract exceeds the 10-year deal worth $700 million that Shohei Ohtani received from the Dodgers last winter.
Ohtani's contract has been significantly delayed and his current value has dropped significantly.
Soto is not subject to any deferrals in his contract, but his contract includes an opt-out after the fifth season.
The Mets can override his opt-out by agreeing to increase his base salary from $51 million to $55 million during the final 10 years of his contract.
Soto also received a $75 million signing bonus.
“Today's signings further strengthen our organizational commitment to consistent championship competitiveness,” President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said in a release. “Not only does Juan deliver on-field performance at a historic level, his joy, intensity and passion for the game reflects our up-and-coming culture.”
Industry sources say Soto will receive a $500,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award.
After that, you'll receive a $1 million bonus for each MVP award you win.
Mets pitchers Mike Bashir and Nate Lavender were both selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Bashir was drafted by the Phillies and then traded to the Rays. Lavender was chosen by the Rays.
Bashir was left unprotected by the Mets after struggling with a 6.04 ERA in 29 games with Triple-A Syracuse last season.
Lavender, a left-handed relief pitcher, underwent Tommy John surgery last May.
Players selected under Rule 5 must remain on their new team's 26-man roster or injured reserve. Otherwise, you will be returned to your previous organization.
