With each passing year, MLB contracts get bigger and bigger, and what seems like an overpay can turn into a bargain in just a few years if the player can live up to expectations.
That being said, it’s still tough to see some of the deals being handed out and not raise eyebrows once in a while, and legendary pitcher-turned-broadcaster John Smoltz recently said he was “shocked” at one free agent contract.
Foul Territory shared a clip of Smoltz discussing Juan Soto’s $765 million contract, and he said, “I mean, 15 years, that is something I never thought we’d ever see, but it’s kind of the new flavor for the 1-percenters. He’s one of the greatest offensive players, but when you think about (Shohei) Ohtani and what he can do and the justification of that contract, you kind of understand. For that contract and for the Mets, I start thinking about the last five years; maybe they don’t care about the last five years because if he can maintain the offensive greatness that changes a lineup for the next seven years, then maybe they think that that contract is going to be a grand slam.”
John Smoltz was SHOCKED to see Juan Soto's contract with the Mets. pic.twitter.com/lYCgSrMV9c
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) December 13, 2024
He said he still shakes his head even though Soto is an incredible talent.
It’s hard to grasp that any player got a contract like that.
Soto’s age surely made it palatable to give him a 15-year deal, and his historically great batter’s eye is typically a skill that ages well.
After just one year, he broke Ohtani’s record for the largest contract ever, and it’ll be interesting to see if any player eclipses Soto’s deal soon.
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