Trout, who posted a WAR of 6.8 or better in each of his first eight MLB seasons, has seen a significant decline in performance, eclipsing 3.0 only once in the last four years. This serves as a cautionary tale for the Mets regarding the longevity and potential risks associated with long-term contracts like Soto's.

Mike Trout, who signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract in 2019, has struggled with injuries over the past four seasons, playing only 266 games due to various ailments. Despite this, he has maintained a solid performance, hitting .281 with 138 homers and a .995 OPS during the contract's duration.

Mike Trout is highlighted as one of the only active players with a contract exceeding $400 million, showcasing his elite status in MLB alongside Soto. Trout's impressive career OPS+ of 173 places him among the top hitters in baseball history, emphasizing the high-caliber talent Soto is compared to in the context of his new contract with the Mets.

Mike Trout's 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels ranks as the third-largest contract in MLB history, underscoring his status as one of the league's elite players and a significant financial investment for the team.

Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels is highlighted as a benchmark in MLB history, showcasing the escalating value of player contracts and setting the stage for Soto's potential record-setting deal.