Can the first 500 million dollar (651.8 billion won) contract in the history of the American Major League (MLB) be born?
On the 3rd (Korean time), the New York Post reported that the San Diego Padres are starting long-term contract discussions with Juan Soto (25) and Josh Hader (29). Soto is the one that draws attention. Soto, who made his big league debut in 2018, built a career that was more spectacular than anyone else in his first five seasons. He played in 617 career games, hitting 0.287 with 125 home runs and 374 RBIs. He is a two-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, and even the National League (NL) batting champion in 2020.토토사이트
As he excelled in his skills, his ransom skyrocketed. The Washington Nationals, who had been with Soto since his debut, traded him to San Diego last August because of the uncertainty about his long-term contract. After rejecting Washington’s 13-year, $350 million (456.6 billion won) contract extension, Soto did not accept a 15-year, $440 million (574 billion won) big deal. Washington, who decided that it would be difficult to retain Soto, had no choice but to move in the trade market. At the time, USA Today predicted that if Soto becomes a free agent, a contract worth more than 500 million dollars is possible.
Soto will become a free agent after the 2024 season. San Diego, which suffered considerable bleeding in recruiting him, is highly likely to extend his contract. The key is also the terms of the contract. San Diego recently completed long-term contracts with key players including Yu Darvish (6 years, $108 million) and Manny Machado (11 years, $350 million). Although he surprised the world with his bold investment, Soto’s contract is a different story. According to the New York Post, after Machado’s signing, San Diego teammate Xander Bogarts reportedly told Soto, “I think you should bring more traction with you.” “I can’t imagine how much he’ll get given his age and talent,” Bogatz added.
The key to Soto’s contract is to achieve a total value of $500 million. Mike Trout (LA Angels) is the only player in MLB history to win a contract worth more than $400 million (521.8 billion won). Trout signed a 10-year, $360 million (469.4 billion won) contract with the Angels in March 2019, adding a 12-year, $426.5 million (556.1 billion won) contract has completed
Soto’s agent is ‘big man’ Scott Boras. Boras appeals to Soto’s young age and creates an atmosphere for a long-term contract by saying, ‘There are nine years left until the prime time’. “It’s a business after all,” Soto said. “I want to focus on baseball here (San Diego). I’ll leave it to Scott.” “Every player wants to challenge free agency and have the opportunity to decide where he wants to go and what is best for his family,” he said in an ambiguous message. As in Washington, it is not an easy atmosphere to sign long-term contracts.