BASEBALL star Juan Soto has signed the biggest contract in world sport, keeping him tied to the New York Mets for the next 15 years.
Soto, 26, became a free agent following the World Series in October.
Having scored 41 home runs for the New York Yankees during the 2024 regular season, he received interest from a number of teams.
The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and the LA Dodgers all battled to sign him.
But Soto has now put an end to the saga by agreeing to join the Mets.
Reports claim the 26-year-old has signed a 15-year deal worth a huge $765million.
It is the largest contract in professional sports history, surpassing the blockbuster deal Shohei Ohtani inked when committing to the Dodgers last year.
ESPN claims Soto can either opt out after the fifth year (2029) or receive a $4m raise per season – from $51m to $55m – for the remainder of the contract.
That means the deal has the potential to reach upwards of $800m.
Soto had been a crucial member of the Yankees’ line-up last season.
He fired the Pinstripes to the World Series in October alongside fellow outfielder Aaron Judge.
But they lost to the LA Dodgers in five games before he stepped away.
The Yankees allegedly offered him $760m over 16 years to stay on, but he rejected the bid.
Less than two months later, Soto has now joined one of his old team’s biggest rivals.
Many fans were unhappy with his decision, with one person writing on X: “Worst possible news ever.”
Another commented: “That’s a lot to take to lose a lifetime legacy and potential monument with the Yankees.”
While a third said: “The easiest move: just change the uniforms! No ring for Soto, but I guess the money will be good enough for him.”
Soto made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2018 and won the World Series the following season.
The 26-year-old has also played for the San Diego Padres.