Superstar free agent and prize of the offseason Juan Soto was every team’s dream addition of the offseason — a solution to all their problems. Early on, the Philadelphia Phillies were even in the mix of potentially bringing in the star to welcome him back to the NL East and forcefully shove the Phillies back on top.
In an excruciating turn of events, as reports started swirling that Soto's decision was nearing, the bombshell dropped. The four-time All-Star and perennial MVP candidate chose Steve Cohen and the New York Mets with an astronomical contract of 15-years, $765 million. The contract also has escalators that can push the overall value over $800 million, per ESPN.com's Jeff Passan.
Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets includes no deferred money, according to sources, and has escalators that can reach above $800 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2024
Soto has an opt-out after his fifth year (2029) or he can raise his remaining AAV from $51million to $55 million for the remainder of the contract, per ESPN.com's Jorge Castillo.
Juan Soto signing with the Mets is a nightmare worst-case scenario for the Phillies and the NL East
The Phillies now have a very real problem staring right at them in Soto. There was true belief that going back to the Bronx with the New York Yankees was an inevitability especially if the money was close. Apparently not. Now the division has it's official three-headed monster in the Phillies, Braves and now Soto's Mets.
The generational talent came off an MVP-type season in 2024 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI, a league leading 128 runs and .989 OPS. Those numbers could be a foreshadowing for what he can now do in Queens and the Phillies have yet to answer back this offseason.
Phillies managing partner John Middleton and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski now have themselves in a pickle. Cohen got what he wanted, now the Phillies have to pivot quickly and make some moves of your own.
Who knows the way the market could go now after the size of Soto's contract. The Garrett Crochet deal is still alive, for now. If a trade is needed, the powder may need to be used quickly. All eyes will be on the Phillies to answer back because Cohen has proved correct in his efforts. Now there's no denying that 2025 will be a fight until the end.