DALLAS – Most expected outfielder Juan Soto’s new contract to be a record-setting deal, but his megadeal with the New York Mets has left the rest of baseball reeling.

According to multiple reports, Soto agreed to a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets on Sunday night.

Unlike Shohei Ohtani’s megadeal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter, Soto’s deal contains no deferred money. Other perks include an immediate $75 million signing bonus and a five-year opt-out clause, giving Soto a chance to test the market again if he believes he can earn even more.

Soto, who debuted at 19, is only 26, which is why he was such a sought-after free agent.

Soto, 26, is one of the most sought-after free agents in MLB history. Unlike some players who hit the market past their prime, the Mets will get several years of Soto at his best.

And at best, Soto is elite. In 2024, he was worth 8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and hit 41 home runs in 157 games for the New York Yankees. Statcast metrics reinforce his dominance and highlight his Barry Bonds-like plate discipline and immense power.

The Dominican Republic native bet on himself more than two years ago by turning down a seemingly generous $440 million extension offer from the Washington Nationals. This decision led to his trade to the San Diego Padres and later the Yankees.

Soto reportedly enjoyed his time in New York, and his free agent process ultimately ended with two suitors: the Yankees and the Mets. Mets owner Steven A. Cohen, known for his aggressive spending, made the compelling offer and acquired one of the game’s best players.

Soto’s signing could cause some excitement on the hot stove. Teams that missed out on Soto — like the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays — can now turn their attention to other outfielders like Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander.

The annual MLB winter meetings taking place this week in Dallas could also accelerate the trade and free agent markets.