Juan Soto’s former manager sure found an interesting way to put the outfielder’s mega-deal in perspective.
Soto agreed to the largest contract in pro sports history at $765 million over 15 years with the Mets on Sunday.
It left the baseball world trying to wrap its heads around a deal of that magnitude as the 26-year-old also left the Yankees after one season to play for their crosstown rival.
But Padres manager Mike Shildt – who was on the coaching staff for Soto’s season and a half in San Diego – injected a little humor into proceedings.
He compared Soto’s contract, which has an average yearly salary of $51 million, to that of a famous TV judge.
“To her credit, Judge Judy (Sheindlin) was making $47 million (in 2012),” Shildt said at the Winter Meetings in Dallas on Monday, according to USA Today. “Forty-seven million a year!”
He also wanted to back up the skills of his former player.
“I don’t think she throws a really good curveball or can hit a good slider,” Shildt added.
“She’s making way more than anybody before Juan has made in our industry. So, it’s all perspective. Good for Juan. I’m happy for him.”
Soto is coming off his best season in the majors hitting .288/.419/.569 for a stellar .989 OPS to go along with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs and 128 runs scored hitting in front of Aaron Judge.
The Mets will add him to a lineup that includes Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and budding year stars in Mark Vientos and Francisci Alavaez after reaching the NLCS last season.
The hope is Soto’s addition brings the Mets to the level of sustained success and lead the team to its first World Series championship since 1986.
“Judge Judy” aired from Sept. 1996 to July 2021.
