Ian Happ justifies Juan Soto getting a salary bigger than Aaron Judge's $40,000,000, Mookie Betts' $30,000,000
Juan Soto's historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets took the baseball world by storm and is still being discussed by fans and analysts across the country.
The 26-year-old's mega contract is the biggest in the history of US sports and made him the highest payed MLB player, ahead of established veterans like Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts.
The average annual value on Soto's deal is $51 million per year, which many believe to be a gross overpay. Veterans like Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts are making between $30 to 40 million per year, but Soto's numbers eclipse them all.
While many believe that Soto is being overpaid, Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ justified the Dominican's value on The Compound podcast:
"Yes, the total number is massive because he was so young when he came out. But it's $51 million a year, you're paying guys like Mookie Betts and Aaron Judge $30-35 million a year.
"It's substantially more but it's double. ... he is an on-base machine, he's a .400 OBP guy in front of Lindor, completely changes their offence as far as consistency. He plays every day."
While the first few weeks of the MLB offseason was dominated by Juan Soto's free agency, it has shifted to everyone analysing his record-breaking contract with the New York Mets.
Happ justified Soto's numbers by making some valid points. Firstly, Juan Soto broke into the major leagues at a very young age, making him more valuable as a 26-year-old.
Second, the Mets seemingly don't care about the luxury tax, thanks to owner Steve Cohen's deep pockets. Finally, Soto's numbers from the plate speak volumes about his ability and changes the Mets offence by having him lead the lineup alongside Francisco Lindor. However, it remains to be seen if the huge gamble eventually pay off.
MLB veteran Ross Stripling offers Juan Soto advice on how to spend his money after mega deal with the Mets
As Juan Soto's mega deal with the New York Mets continues to make headlines, MLB free agent pitcher Ross Stripling was asked what he would do with so much money.
The veteran ace, almost 10 years older to Soto, offered his advice to the young outfielder:
"Now, time is his biggest asset. Money isn't even a thought anymore."
Soto's deal comfortably beats Shohei Ohtani's $700 million 10-year deal signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.