Early rumors regarding the Juan Soto sweepstakes depicted Steve Cohen potentially outbidding the field by $50 million to acquire the star slugger.
Well, it turns out he was $45 million more expensive, and Soto could become an $800 million man.
Soto's historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets could reach $805 million if the Mets waive his opt-out clause after five seasons with the Mets.
However, the Mets could lock him in for another 10 years by increasing his average annual salary (AAV) from $51 million to $55 million after the 2029 season.
It's difficult to predict what will happen in five years, but based on Soto's current trajectory, it's reasonable to think he'll be in a position to elect to retire at age 31 five years from now.
Although it may be fair to wonder whether the 31-year-old Soto (who could become a full-time DH later in his career) will be able to sign a 10-year, $510 million free agent contract. , the Mets may not want to acquire him. That chance.
Cohen has shown that money is not an issue, and Soto likely has a few more years of peak left before his contract becomes troublesome.
The Yankees have a similar clause in Gerrit Cole's contract (Scott Boras represents both players), allowing him to opt out unless the Yankees add a 10th year for $36 million. That's what it was.
Ultimately, the parties agreed to continue with the original nine-year, $324 million contract.
Follow The Post's coverage of Juan Soto's historic blockbuster deal with the Mets.
Soto could earn an additional $40 million over the next 10 years, increasing his earnings from the already recorded $765 million to an even more historic figure of $805 million.
Soto's contract will increase from an average of $51 million a season to $53.67 million during his time with the Mets.
Shohei Ohtani has an AAV of $70 million ahead of Soto in this regard, but with the caveat that he is paid as both a hitter and pitcher and has $680 million deferred. The current value of the contract is approximately $460 million.
Soto's contract has no deferrals.
If Soto plays his first game with the Mets, he will become the Mets' first strictly position player to earn more than $50 million per season.
The $40 million increase is also the difference between the Mets' offer and the Yankees' offer. The Yankees' offer was $760 million over 16 years ($47.5 million per season).
