美國職棒大聯盟最有錢的老闆，紐約大都會的史蒂夫·科恩（Steve Cohen）今天以破紀錄的15年7.65億美元（約新台幣248億元）的無延遲支付合約，簽下26歲明星外野手胡安·索托（Juan Soto）。打破去年由大谷翔平創下的10年7億美金的合約。消息傳出後部分大都會球迷欣喜若狂，認為明年的球隊將更有機會衝擊季後賽；而另一些人則擔憂這會帶動門票上漲跟球團將無法補強優秀選手。

索托的前東家紐約洋基也積極競標，據悉開出16年7.6億美元的合約，展現球團留人的決心。儘管索托的外野守備能力屬於平均水平，也非典型的全壘打王，但他的核心強項在於優異的上壘能力跟年齡。生涯上壘率高達0.421，遠超大谷翔平的0.371。在今年的季後賽，索托在洋基的表現幫助球隊，奪下美聯龍頭寶座。在季後賽展現更強的打擊，對上守護者的時候揮出致勝的全壘打，是洋基能進入世界大賽的功臣之一。

而這筆合約平均年薪達5100萬美元，綁定未來15年，延續至2039年，風險相當高。球員是否能長期維持巔峰狀態，即便是大谷，年限最多也只有10年。大都會未來的奪冠之路還需要更多的明星先發投手和穩定守備，單單一人無法完全改變局面。部分球迷擔心這次豪賭可能代價沉重，如果索托受傷或表現不佳，則是甩不掉的爛合約。

當時效力於國民隊的索托拒絕15年4.4億美元的續約價碼，最終被交易至教士隊。如今不到兩年，他的新合約不僅將國民的報價遠遠甩在身後，更是創下MLB球星薪資的歷史紀錄。

這筆史詩級交易不僅強化大都會在未來數年的競爭力，也引發對長期高額合約的風險和效益的深刻討論。索托的加盟將是大都會邁向冠軍的一大步，但能否帶來期望中的榮耀，仍需時間檢驗。

Steve Cohen, the wealthiest owner in Major League Baseball and the owner of the New York Mets, has made headlines by signing 26-year-old star outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract (approximately NT$24.8 billion) with no deferred payments. This deal surpasses Shohei Ohtani's previous record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract from last year.

The news has divided Mets fans: some are thrilled, viewing the move as a bold step towards playoff contention next season, while others express concerns about potential ticket price increases and the team's ability to strengthen its roster with additional star players.

Soto’s former team, the New York Yankees, also aggressively pursued him, reportedly offering a 16-year, $760 million deal, showcasing their determination to retain the star player. Despite average defensive skills and not being a traditional home-run slugger, Soto's value lies in his exceptional on-base ability and youth. His career on-base percentage of .421 significantly outshines Ohtani's .371. Soto played a pivotal role in the Yankees' postseason success this year, helping the team secure the American League’s top seed. His clutch hitting, including a decisive home run against the Guardians, was instrumental in the Yankees reaching the World Series.

The contract, averaging $51 million annually and running through 2039, is a high-risk commitment. Long-term deals pose significant challenges as few players can sustain peak performance over such durations. Even Ohtani’s contract is capped at 10 years. The Mets, despite acquiring Soto, still need to address gaps in their pitching rotation and defensive stability to become true championship contenders. Some fans worry this gamble could backfire, especially if Soto struggles with injuries or declining performance, leaving the team burdened with an immovable contract.

Soto's career trajectory highlights his growing market value. While with the Nationals, he turned down a 15-year, $440 million extension, leading to his trade to the Padres. In less than two years, his new contract has dwarfed that offer and set an unprecedented benchmark in MLB salary history.

This historic deal bolsters the Mets' competitive edge for the foreseeable future but also sparks intense debate over the long-term risks and rewards of mega-contracts. While Soto’s addition represents a major step toward the Mets’ championship aspirations, only time will tell if the move delivers the glory the team and its fans hope for.

照片:產品官網