Part 5/7:
Soto's age and talent level make this deal particularly noteworthy. Historically, it is exceedingly rare for a player of such caliber to become a free agent at just 26 years old. Comparisons have been made to Alex Rodriguez's previous record-setting deal with the Texas Rangers, highlighting how Soto’s contract could represent a new era of player compensation. The only other contemporaries to reach Soto's level in terms of home runs and walks by age 25 are Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Mel Ott, placing Soto's achievements in an elite context.