This MLB season has been packed with unforgettable moments, from Aaron Judge’s clutch heroics to Shohei Ohtani rewriting the record books. Yet, one storyline has lingered throughout the year—Juan Soto’s looming free agency and the tantalizing possibility that he could become the highest-paid player in baseball history. And with Soto’s explosive go-ahead homer in the 10th inning of ALCS Game 5, the buzz around his potential mega-deal has only grown louder.
Many believe Soto, a crucial addition to the Yankees lineup, is poised to break Ohtani’s staggering $700 million contract record when he hits the free-agent market. The 25-year-old slugger has been electric this season, carrying the Yankees through their postseason journey, while Aaron Judge struggled with injuries. For the second time in his career, Soto finds himself on the cusp of another World Series appearance, cementing his reputation as one of MLB’s brightest stars.
However, not everyone is convinced Soto can eclipse Ohtani’s historic payday. Athletic reporter Brittany Ghiroli has weighed in, calling the idea of Soto surpassing Ohtani’s deal a “pipe dream.” Ghiroli argues that unless Soto is willing to follow Ohtani’s lead and accept significant deferred payments—like the Japanese sensation did with the Dodgers—a record-breaking contract might not be realistic for the Dominican star.
Looking at Soto’s past decisions, Ghiroli’s skepticism holds weight. In 2022, before being traded to the Padres, Soto famously turned down a colossal 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals. His reason? Most of that money was deferred, and Soto wasn’t interested in waiting for his full payday. Given that history, it’s unlikely that he would settle for a contract structured like Ohtani’s, where a large portion of the money is deferred long after the deal ends.
Ohtani’s groundbreaking $700 million deal spans over 10 years, but a jaw-dropping $680 million is deferred, with annual payments of $68 million kicking in from 2034 to 2043. Despite the deferrals, Ohtani’s contract still makes him the highest-paid player in MLB history with an average annual value (AAV) of $46 million. For Soto, whose market value is also expected to soar, a deal north of $500 million seems almost certain, though topping Ohtani’s total package may be more difficult without concessions.
The debate over Soto’s potential contract heightens as he and Ohtani both prepare for the World Series. Unfortunately, fans won’t get the dream matchup of Soto’s bat versus Ohtani’s arm, as Ohtani is sidelined from pitching this season due to surgery. The two stars did square off in 2022 when Soto played for the Padres and Ohtani was with the Angels, but that highly anticipated rematch will have to wait.
What remains clear is that Juan Soto, at just 25 years old, is positioned to be one of baseball’s top earners. Whether he breaks Ohtani’s record or not, his next contract will likely be among the largest in MLB history, solidifying his status as one of the game’s true generational talents.
