Soto looking to join other players who thrived in first year of big contract - ESPN

With most MLB teams playing their opening game of the 2025 season Thursday, a number of players will be suiting up for new teams for the first time in the regular season. Of that group, few debuts will be more hotly anticipated than that of Juan Soto.

Back in December, Soto signed a colossal 15-year, $765 million deal (the biggest in MLB history) with the New York Mets, taking his talents across the Big Apple after playing for the New York Yankees in 2024.

All eyes will be on Soto as he looks to embark on a memorable debut season with the Mets. He won't be the first star looking to make an immediate impact after inking a massive new deal.

Here's how the first years went for other baseball players on $300 million-plus contracts.

Shohei Ohtani, 2024, Los Angeles Dodgers

Contract value: $700 million

From National League-leading numbers in home runs and RBIs to NL MVP honors and a World Series trophy, it's safe to say Ohtani's first season with the Dodgers after his record deal was a roaring success.

Though the two-way star put only his hitting skills on display in his first season with his new squad, he made his reps at the plate count — turning in career-best totals in home runs (54), RBIs (130), average (.310) and stolen bases (59). Ohtani etched himself in MLB history by becoming the first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

Mike Trout, 2019, Los Angeles Angels

Contract value: $426.5 million

Trout garnered a major contract extension ahead of the 2019 season, and rewarded the Angels with an MVP campaign.

Though Trout has struggled to stay healthy since (and indeed ended 2019 hurt as well), the outfielder was stellar in his first season post-extension — leading the league in on-base