Juan Soto | Legends of The Hobby

Soto’s Career and Cards

Juan Soto has taken his talents to Queens. At 15 years and $765 million, the largest contract in pro sports history resulted from a bidding war between the Mets, Yankees, and a few other of the richest MLB clubs. In the end, the Mets got their man.

A seismic shift in the balance of power in the Big Apple off-the-field, now, Soto will look to bring that to the diamond next season. As Soto makes a new borough his home, let’s look at the career and cards of MLB’s most expensive player.

Soto’s Signs First Contract at 16

While a far cry from his most recent contract, a $1.5 million contract signed as an international free agent when he was only 16 years old started Soto on an incredible journey. Soto ranked No. 22 on MLB’s top-30 international prospects list after signing. By 2018, Soto was one of baseball’s top prospects.

2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-JS Juan Soto Orange Refractor RC Auto /25

Welcome to The Show

On May 20, 2018, Soto earned his MLB debut, and the next day, he launched a 422-foot home run in the first at-bat of his first start. The plaudits came fast and furious. Teammate Bryce Harper said Soto was a “special player” – and on the card back of a 2018 Topps Chrome Update Baseball Rookie Card, teammate Max Scherzer is quoted, “Sometimes it doesn’t matter how old or young you are. If you have that ability, it doesn’t matter what is being thrown at you.” Soto was here to stay, and as evidenced by his prominent role in the 2018 Update series, he was a name on the rise in both The Show and The Hobby.

2018 Topps Chrome Update Baseball #HMT-55 Juan Soto Red Refractor RC /25

The Legend Grows

Soto’s first three seasons set the foundation for Soto’s ascension in the baseball world. He won Rookie of the Month three times. The following season, his star turn in October helped the Nationals to a World Series title. Soto led the team in hits, runs scored, walks, and home runs in the series. He followed up his championship season by becoming the youngest player to win an NL batting title while sending his slugging and on-base numbers through the roof.

2018 Topps Chrome Update Baseball #HMT-98 Juan Soto RC

Finding His Way in New York

After a stay in San Diego, Soto got his pinstripes in December 2023, after the Yankees took a chance on the soon-to-be free agent. Soto helped power the franchise’s first World Series since 2009. Soto once again was his team’s best hitter in the championship, but the Yankees came up short against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2018 Topps Chrome Update Baseball #US-300 Juan Soto SSP Variation RC Auto ‘Gatorade Bath’ Variant

Staying Put in the Big Apple, But Changing Everything

Soto’s record 15-year, $765 million contract is eye-popping and indicative of Soto’s athletic prowess. It demonstrates the incredible ability and staying power of a hitter who is on pace to be one of the greatest ever. Soto has made a statement of intent – that he can bring a World Series back to New York, and he doesn’t need the Yankees to do so. That he can go toe-to-toe with fellow city superstar Aaron Judge. In doing so, Soto’s prominence in the game and The Hobby will only continue to rise.

2024 MLB Topps NOW® Card OS-8 Juan Soto Orange /5

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