Soto's highly-publicized, record breaking contract with the Mets of $765 million includes a $75 million signing bonus and no deferred money, ensuring he earns the full value over 15 years. His average annual salary of $51 million dwarfs Tatis' $24.3 million average by more than double, a staggering financial gap that has significant implications for roster flexibility. The deal also features an opt-out clause after 2029, which, if triggered, would make Soto the highest-paid player per year in MLB history during his five years with the Mets.
By comparison, Tatis' contract, signed in 2021, is fully guaranteed with a modest $10 million signing bonus. It lacks opt-out clauses and provides the Padres with long-term cost certainty while granting Tatis a full no-trade clause through 2028. This structure ensures stability for the team while aligning with their broader payroll strategies.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto, both just 26 going into the 2025 season, have carved impressive paths in MLB but differ greatly in style and impact. Tatis, in 516 games, boasts a .279 batting average with 127 home runs, 322 RBIs, and a 21.7 WAR, showcasing his all-around dynamism. Soto, over 936 games, has a .285 average, 201 home runs, and an astounding 769 walks, reflecting his exceptional plate discipline and power. While Soto's WAR of 36.4 outshines Tatis, Tatis’ numbers in fewer games hint at his potential efficiency and value per dollar.
While Soto's bat is elite, his production with the Padres in 2023 fell short of expectations. Over 162 games, he hit .275 with 35 home runs and 100 RBIs, solid numbers but not on par with his now monster contract. In contrast, Tatis' career with the Padres has been a showcase of all-around brilliance. Despite missing parts of the 2023 season due to a mix of a motorbike injury and PED suspension, he returned in 2024 to win his first Platinum Glove, demonstrating his versatility as a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder while continuing to deliver offensive firepower. With a career OPS of .925, Tatis remains among MLB’s most productive players. Soto has a career .285 batting average while Tatis has a .279.
While Soto's bat is elite, his production with the Padres in 2023 fell short of expectations. Over 162 games, he hit .275 with 35 home runs and 100 RBIs, solid numbers but not on par with his now monster contract. In contrast, Tatis' career with the Padres has been a showcase of all-around brilliance. Despite missing parts of the 2023 season due to a mix of a motorbike injury and PED suspension, he returned in 2024 to win his first Platinum Glove, demonstrating his versatility as a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder while continuing to deliver offensive firepower. With a career OPS of .925, Tatis remains among MLB’s most productive players. Soto has a career .285 batting average while Tatis has a .279.
On defense, Tatis holds a clear edge. His athleticism allows him to thrive both as a shortstop and an outfielder, while Soto's fielding metrics have been pedestrian. Defensive value often gets overlooked in contract evaluations, but Tatis' ability to contribute at an elite level on both sides of the ball further justifies his comparatively modest salary.
The Padres' decision to trade Soto before the 2024 season allowed them to pivot strategically. The astronomical annual commitment that would have accompanied a Soto extension could have jeopardized their ability to retain other core players, invest in pitching, or address depth concerns. The Padres instead locked in foundational pieces like Manny Machado and prioritized building a more balanced roster that included additions like pitching ace Michael King and the pickup of pitcher Dylan Cease.
Soto's departure also aligns with San Diego’s long-term goals of sustained contention. While the Mets have now hitched their wagon to one of baseball’s most potent bats, they’ve also shouldered a financial burden that limits flexibility. The Padres, by contrast, are in a position to explore additional upgrades while enjoying the cost-efficient production from Tatis.
The Padres' decision to trade Soto before the 2024 season allowed them to pivot strategically. The astronomical annual commitment that would have accompanied a Soto extension could have jeopardized their ability to retain other core players, invest in pitching, or address depth concerns. The Padres instead locked in foundational pieces like Manny Machado and prioritized building a more balanced roster that included additions like pitching ace Michael King and the pickup of pitcher Dylan Cease.
Soto's departure also aligns with San Diego’s long-term goals of sustained contention. While the Mets have now hitched their wagon to one of baseball’s most potent bats, they’ve also shouldered a financial burden that limits flexibility. The Padres, by contrast, are in a position to explore additional upgrades while enjoying the cost-efficient production from Tatis.
While Juan Soto headlines with his mega-deal, the Padres remain poised for success. Tatis, Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Xander Bogaerts form the nucleus of a team capable of competing for years to come. The flexibility gained by avoiding Soto's massive extension allows the Padres to continually evolve, addressing weaknesses and capitalizing on opportunities.
Juan Soto's groundbreaking deal may dominate headlines, but it underscores the brilliance of the Padres' investment in Tatis. With his dynamic play and a contract that ages beautifully in the ever-inflating MLB market, San Diego may have found the better long-term value while setting themselves up for sustainable success. Padres fans should look forward to a future where their team continues to compete without being hamstrung by a contract that might have otherwise hindered their flexibility.
Originally published on December 8, 2024.Ìý
