If you’re still scouring the internet for juan soto team odds, I have some news that might be a little boring if you love the chaos of the hot stove, but it’s a total dream if you’re a fan in Queens.
The chase is over.
Honestly, it feels like forever ago that we were all refreshing Twitter every five seconds to see if he’d pick the Bronx or the Dodgers. But as we head into the 2026 season, the "odds" aren't really about where he's going. They’re about how many trophies he’s going to lift in a Mets uniform.
Juan Soto is a New York Met. And he’s going to be one for a very, very long time.
The $765 Million Reality Check
Let’s look at the numbers because they are absolutely wild. Last offseason, Steve Cohen basically decided that "losing" wasn't an option. He handed Soto a 15-year contract worth $765 million.
That is not a typo.
It’s the biggest contract in the history of professional sports. To put that into perspective, he's basically making about $51 million a year on average. While Shohei Ohtani’s deal was technically for $700 million, remember that most of that is deferred money. Soto? He’s getting paid in real-time.
In 2026, Soto is set to earn a base salary of $46,875,000. If you add in the signing bonus structures, his total salary hit for the year is over $61 million.
When a guy is locked in until 2039, the traditional "juan soto team odds" regarding a trade or a move are basically zero. No one is taking on that contract, and the Mets certainly aren't giving up the best hitter in baseball while they're in their "win now" window.
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What about the opt-outs?
I know what you're thinking. "Scott Boras always puts an out in there."
You’re right. He does.
But if you were hoping for more free agency drama soon, don't hold your breath. Soto doesn't have an opt-out until after the 2029 season. That means he’s effectively a Met for at least the next four seasons. Even then, the Mets have a clever little "negate" clause. If he tries to opt out in 2030, the team can simply bump his salary up to $55 million a year to keep him in the building.
Basically, he’s a Met until he’s in his late 30s unless something catastrophic happens.
How the 2025 Season Shifted the Narrative
Coming into 2025, there was a lot of pressure. People were wondering if he could handle the "Mets tax"—that weird phenomenon where superstars struggle in their first year at Citi Field.
He didn't just handle it; he crushed it.
Soto finished 2025 with a line that looks like a video game. He hit 43 home runs and, surprisingly, stole 38 bases. He became part of that elite 40-30 club that only a handful of humans have ever touched.
- Batting Average: .263 (a little lower than his career average, but who cares?)
- OBP: .396 (He still led the National League)
- WAR: 6.4
- Runs Batted In: 105
He’s 27 years old. He's just entering his physical prime. When you look at the juan soto team odds for 2026 success, the betting markets are heavily favored toward him being an MVP finalist again. He’s found a home in right field, and the pairing with Francisco Lindor has turned the Mets into a perennial powerhouse.
Where Else Could He Have Gone?
It’s fun to look back at the "what ifs." Remember when the Toronto Blue Jays were supposedly "in" on him? Or the San Francisco Giants?
The Yankees were the biggest threat, obviously. Playing in the Bronx with Aaron Judge was a match made in heaven for a year. But the Yankees have a lot of money tied up in aging stars, and they just couldn't—or wouldn't—match the $765 million figure.
The Dodgers were always there in the shadows, too. But after the Ohtani and Yamamoto spree, even their pockets had a limit.
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The "odds" were always leaning toward the Mets because of one man: Steve Cohen. He has the highest net worth of any owner in baseball, and he was tired of being the "other" team in New York. Signing Soto was the ultimate "I’m here" statement.
The Next Big Date: 2026 World Baseball Classic
While he’s staying in New York for his day job, you will see him in a different jersey briefly this year.
Soto has already confirmed he’s playing for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He’s going to be part of a "Super Team" alongside guys like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Mets fans are naturally terrified because of what happened to Edwin Díaz in the last WBC, but Soto has been vocal about wanting to bring a title to the D.R. He was their best hitter in 2023, and he’s looking to finish the job this time.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking to follow Soto’s journey in 2026, here is what you actually need to keep an eye on:
- MVP Markets: Soto is consistently a top-3 favorite for NL MVP. If his batting average starts to climb back toward his .280+ career norm, he’s a lock for another 6-7 WAR season.
- The Stolen Base Factor: 2025 showed us a "new" Soto who runs. Keep an eye on his aggression. If he stays in the 30-40 steal range, his value is astronomical.
- Lineup Protection: Watch who the Mets put behind him. In 2025, he led the league in walks again because teams were terrified of him. If the Mets add another big bat at the trade deadline, Soto’s RBI numbers could explode.
- Health: He played 160 games last year. His durability is his greatest asset. As long as he's on the field, the Mets are a playoff lock.
Forget the trade rumors. Forget the "where will he sign" articles. The juan soto team odds have settled on orange and blue. Now, we just get to watch a future Hall of Famer build his legacy in the middle of a dynasty.
Check the 2026 MLB schedule early—Soto tends to feast on NL East pitching, specifically in those early-season series against the Nationals and Marlins. If you're looking for a bet, the "Over" on his walks and OBP is usually the safest play in baseball.