Examining largest FA contracts in MLB history after Soto megadeal

We evaluated the 10 largest free-agent contracts in MLB history after the New York Mets reportedly landed Juan Soto on the biggest deal in professional sports history.

1. Juan Soto, Mets (15 years, $765M)

The Mets invested an outlandish amount of money for the next decade-and-a-half in a generational player on a Hall of Fame trajectory. The historic pact instantly changes the landscape of baseball, but the long-term ramifications for Soto and New York are still unknown. In theory, one championship could make it all worth it. However, there's also a very real chance the two-time MVP finalist is a first baseman or designated hitter in his 30s making $55 million per season if the team voids his opt-out clause. Flags fly forever, and that's all Steve Cohen is worried about right now.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (10 years, $700M)

It's hard to believe Ohtani justified, and even exceeded, his contract just one year into his Dodgers tenure. The now three-time unanimous MVP posted one of the greatest statistical seasons in MLB history in 2024 while also leading Los Angeles to its first World Series title in a 162-game season since 1988. The Dodgers have cemented themselves as the premier destination for marquee free agents, and the unique deferral-heavy structure of Ohtani's contract has made it possible for the organization to keep adding every offseason. This deal is already well worth the sticker price regardless of how the remaining nine years go. After looking at Soto's deal, you almost feel like Ohtani might be underpaid.

3. Aaron Judge, Yankees (9 years, $360M)

It's hard to fathom that Soto got more than twice as much as the reigning AL MVP, even when considering the age difference. Judge has been the best hitter in baseball since re-signing with the Yankees two years ago. He owns an MLB-best 1.104 OPS with 95 homers and a staggering 200 wRC+ across 264 games. The six-time All-Star also provides value as a center fielder heading into his age-33 campaign, ranking in the 83rd percentile in arm value and 75th in arm strength in 2024, according to Baseball Savant.

4. Bryce Harper, Phillies (13 years, $330M)

Harper's megadeal continues to look better every year. Many questioned the contract's worth and length at the time of signing in 2019, but few can argue how well it's worked out for everyone. Harper, who won his second MVP award in 2021, has made good on his immense potential to become one of MLB's most consistently excellent hitters. He's also matured into a respected leader who's the heartbeat of the perennially competitive Phillies. The only icing this cake needs is a championship.

5. Corey Seager, Rangers (10 years, $325M)

Seager's big contract is already a win for the Rangers thanks to their 2023 title. The 30-year-old played an instrumental role, picking up his second World Series MVP honor. He's also been an All-Star for three straight years after surpassing the 30-homer plateau each season and finished as the 2023 AL MVP runner-up. The concern for Seager is that he's only played more than 123 games in a campaign once since 2021 and averaged 121 contests over the last two years. Staying on the field could get even harder in his 30s.

6. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers (10 years, $325M)

Yamamoto, like Ohtani, was instrumental in the Dodgers winning the World Series in 2024. The young right-hander missed extensive time during the regular season due to injury but impressed when healthy. He also dominated when the lights were brightest, carving up the Yankees during his lone start in the Fall Classic. The 26-year-old is far too unproven right now to make declarations as to whether this contract will ultimately end up being a success, but it's off to a great start.

7. Gerrit Cole, Yankees (9 years, $324M)

Cole's then-record-setting deal in December 2019 was the largest deal given to a pitcher before Yamamoto. And the former certainly delivered on expectations, amassing the sixth-highest fWAR (17.2) among hurlers to go along with a 3.12 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 915 strikeouts over 759 innings (125 starts). The 2023 AL Cy Young winner also has $144 million over four years left on his contract after opting in, which is fair value as the ace enters his mid-30s.

8. Manny Machado, Padres (10 years, $300M)

Machado shocked the baseball world when he signed with the Padres in 2019. Few expected baseball's most polarizing star to join the Friars or to ink the largest contract in American sports history at the time. Initial returns looked great as Machado finished third in NL MVP voting in 2020 and was the runner-up in 2022. However, he's stumbled to a sub-.800 OPS in consecutive seasons since, casting doubt over how well this deal will age - especially now that he's been extended through 2033. The good news is Machado is still just 32 and likely has lots left in the tank.

9. Trea Turner, Phillies (10 years, $300M)

Turner was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle after joining a Phillies club that lost to the Astros in the 2022 World Series. However, Philadelphia fell in the 2023 NLCS and 2024 NLDS with the All-Star shortstop. He's also posted a combined 8.1 fWAR over two seasons since signing his pact, which is a lot lower than the 13.5 fWAR he had between 2021-22. It's a little concerning Turner could be trending in the wrong direction heading into his age-32 campaign with eight years left under contract.

10. Xander Bogaerts, Padres (11 years, $280M)

The second Padres contract on this list was even more surprising than the first - and looks much worse. San Diego paid Bogaerts like an elite shortstop, then moved him to second base in 2024 just one season into the deal. Skeptics were seemingly right to question how Bogaerts' bat would fare on the West Coast compared to Boston's hitter-friendly Fenway Park. His .688 OPS (92 OPS+) in 111 games last year was his lowest since his first full season in 2014. Things could get better, but the Padres can't be feeling great about owing the 32-year-old $25 million annually through 2033.