The sports world is buzzing with the news of Juan Soto’s groundbreaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets, a deal spanning 15 years. This monumental agreement has not only captivated baseball fans but also sparked discussions in other sports circles, including soccer. However, US Men’s National Team legend Landon Donovan has raised doubts about the move, calling into question the wisdom of such a lengthy and lucrative contract.
In a recent episode of the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, which Donovan co-hosts with fellow American soccer icon Tim Howard, the former LA Galaxy forward expressed skepticism about the Mets’ decision to commit to Soto for 15 years. “If I’m a club, why are you committing 15 years?” Donovan questioned, emphasizing that such contracts often boil down to leverage. He pointed out that Soto, at just 26 years old, held all the power in the negotiation process, which likely influenced the outcome of the deal.
Drawing from his own career, Donovan highlighted how his final years with LA Galaxy involved mutual respect and balanced leverage between himself and the club. This approach ensured fair and constructive negotiations. By contrast, he believes Soto’s move reflects a situation where the player held the upper hand, especially in his decision to leave the Yankees, where he could have cemented a remarkable legacy.
Tim Howard also weighed in on the deal, expressing concerns over the practicality of such long-term contracts. He found the $75 million signing bonus particularly staggering and questioned whether Soto could deliver consistent performance over the entire 15 years. Comparing Soto’s contract to Alex Rodriguez’s historic deal, Howard remarked, “I don’t understand the length of these contracts because Juan Soto, if I’m correct, probably will not give you 15 years of good service.”
Howard also referenced Bobby Bonilla’s infamous deferred payment agreement with the Mets, which still pays him $1 million annually until 2035, as a cautionary tale. While acknowledging the business savvy of Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, Howard praised the agent’s ability to secure such an extraordinary deal. However, he admitted he would have preferred to see Soto remain with the Yankees.
Both Donovan and Howard questioned whether the Mets’ gamble on Soto would ultimately pay off, with Howard humorously noting that it’s a great time to be a star in baseball, given the astronomical sums involved. Despite their concerns, both acknowledged the excitement surrounding Soto’s move to the Mets and the potential impact it could have on the team.
The debate over Soto’s contract is far from settled. While some view it as a bold, game-changing move, others see it as a risky gamble that could backfire. What’s clear is that this deal will be scrutinized for years to come as baseball fans and critics alike watch how Soto’s career with the Mets unfolds.