Sports Rundown - December 9, 2024

The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national and international levels.

BY: COOPER ALBERS / CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR

Outfielder Juan Soto Signs With the New York Mets

(Photo: Fox Sports)

Juan Soto is heading to Queens. The superstar outfielder agreed to terms on a 15-year, $765 million contract ($51 million AAV) to join the New York Mets, marking the most lucrative contract in the history of professional sports. 

The Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen, presented a “Godfather Offer” that the four-time All-Star simply couldn’t refuse. The historic bid trumped that of Hal Steinbrenner, who offered Soto $760 over 16 years ($47.5 million AAV) to return to the Yankees after leading them to the World Series this year. 

Soto received a $75 million signing bonus to hop on the Flushing-bound 7-Train. His deal – which contains no deferred money – also includes an opt-out after five years, although the Mets can void the decision by bumping his annual salary from $51 million to $55 million for the remaining ten years, making his contract worth an unprecedented $805 million. 

Soto leaves behind Monument Park, the Bleacher Creatures and MVP teammate Aaron Judge to bolster a Mets lineup already featuring Silver-Slugger shortstop Francisco Lindor and burgeoning star Mark Vientos. 

The tide has shifted in New York City. The Mets have arrived. The Subway Series – which will be played from May 16-18 at Yankee Stadium – can’t come soon enough. 

LIU Basketball Defeats York College By 50 Points

(Photo: Ariel Johnson)

The Sharks returned home from a five game road trip to some extra motivation in the form of NBA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier cheering them on from courtside. LIU honored the Hall of Famer as he approaches his 80th birthday, presenting him with a #10 Sharks jersey at halftime.

From the opening tip-off, Long Island looked invincible against York College, scoring their most points of the season in a 103-53 victory over the Cardinals. The squad shot 56% from the floor and 40% from deep while recording season-highs in rebounds (51) and blocks (7). 

Freshman guard Jalen “Roc” Lee led the team with 23 points on 75% shooting with a trio of three pointers. After the game, he gave his thoughts on the win and reflected on the experience of playing in front of Frazier:

“I think as a unit we played well,” he said. “We got better, not only as a team, but as a family. And playing in front of a legend like Walt Frazier felt so surreal. He’s an icon and one of the best to ever play the game of basketball.”

Orlando Magic Forward Franz Wagner Out With Oblique Injury

(Photo: NBA)

Magic forward Franz Wagner is out indefinitely after suffering a torn right oblique against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The 23-year-old is having a career year for Orlando, averaging 24 points, five assists and five rebounds, propelling the Magic to a third-place 16-9 record in the Eastern Conference. 

“Wagner will be out indefinitely and his return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment,” the Magic said Saturday in a statement announcing the injury. “He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.”

Wagner’s injury marks yet another devastating loss for the Magic. All-Star forward Paulo Banchero has been sidelined since October 30 with the exact same injury as Wagner, with the Magic hopeful that he could return by the end of December. 

Goalie Igor Shesterkin Inks 8-Year Contract To With Rangers

(Photo: NHL)

All-Star goaltender Igor Shesterkin signed an eight-year, $92 million contract to stay with the New York Rangers. The deal, valued at $11.5 million per year, makes the 28-year-old the league’s highest paid goalie in both overall salary and average annual value (AAV). 

“Well, clearly with the contract we just signed him to, it speaks volumes of what I think of him as a goalie, as a player, as a person,” said Rangers general manager Chris Drury. “We’re lucky to have him. We’re excited that he wanted to make the commitment to be with the Rangers for eight years. We’re excited to be able to sign him up for that. We had no interest in seeing where the market went come July 1. As a lot of our players say, and certainly I can echo their sentiments, he’s one of our best players night in and night out and we’re thrilled he’s our goalie."

The contract was announced just one day after the Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a draft pick. New York currently holds a record of 14-10-1, looking to bounce back after going 2-6-0 in their last eight games. 

Alexandre Pantoja Chokes Out Kai Asakura At UFC 310

(Photo: Wade Vandervort / Las Vegas Sun)

Alexandre Pantoja has looked untouchable as the UFC flyweight champion. In the main event of UFC 310, he gave former RIZIN champion Kai Asakura a proper welcome to the UFC by choking him out cold in the second round. 

The champion controlled every aspect of the fight. He successfully thwarted the challenger’s elite striking prowess while getting the better of him in grappling exchanges. Pantoja took Asakura’s back during a second round scramble, where he locked in a rear-naked choke and put his non-tapping opponent to sleep.

After his third successful title defense, Pantoja (29-5) has four victories in flyweight title fights, the second most of all time. In his post fight interview, he called out the only man with more, Demetrious Johnson.

"He doesn't fight anymore, he retired this year," Pantoja said of Johnson, who boasts an unbelievable 12 wins in flyweight title fights. "But, this is something for you Demetrious Johnson. I'm the GOAT here. If you want to prove you're the GOAT, come back."