Juan Soto Chooses Mets Over Yankees in Record-Breaking $765M Deal

Juan Soto Chooses Mets Over Yankees in Record-Breaking Deal

DALLAS — It was a Sunday morning that could have changed the course of Yankees history. Between 9:30 and 10 a.m., New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman submitted what he described as the organization’s final and most ambitious contract offer for superstar Juan Soto. The deal, a staggering 16-year, $760 million proposal, would have shattered records as the richest contract in North American professional sports history. But by nightfall, the Yankees’ hopes were dashed.

Scott Boras, Soto’s agent, delivered the news that Yankees fans dreaded: Soto had chosen the New York Mets. The Mets’ offer? A 15-year, $765 million deal, complete with escalators that could push the total to an eye-popping $805 million. It was a deal that not only surpassed the Yankees’ offer but also eclipsed the $700 million contract Shohei Ohtani signed just a year ago, setting a new benchmark in both total value and average annual value.

Cashman, faced with the crushing news, immediately informed Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine. Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Hilton Anatole, the site of this year’s winter meetings, Cashman reflected on the organization’s efforts. “Hal Steinbrenner really stepped up to find a way to retain Juan Soto, and I’m certainly proud of his efforts,” Cashman said. “Certainly went well beyond what I would have expected.”

The Mets’ Blockbuster Move

While Cashman was addressing the media, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns remained tight-lipped about the deal, as it had not yet been made official. However, sources confirmed the details of the agreement, which includes no deferrals and positions Soto as the centerpiece of the Mets’ long-term plans.

The Yankees’ offer, which also lacked deferrals, was made without knowledge of competing bids. Cashman admitted that the team wasn’t given an opportunity to match the Mets’ offer. When asked if Soto might have chosen the Yankees had they matched the Mets’ terms, Cashman could only shrug. “I’d rather him not be in the American League East,” he said. “I guess, you know, pick your poison. Ultimately, listen, the Mets got a great player. So, congratulations to them.”

A Year of Highs and Lows

Soto’s decision comes exactly one year after the Yankees acquired him and outfielder Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade. The Yankees gave up five players, including right-hander Michael King, in a move that was always a gamble. Soto’s contract was set to expire after the 2024 season, and the Yankees knew they were taking a risk. But Soto delivered in his lone season in pinstripes, hitting a career-high 41 home runs, finishing third in American League MVP voting, and helping the Yankees reach the World Series, where they fell just three wins short of a championship.

“It’s not a deal we regret,” Cashman said of last winter’s trade. “He impacted us in a heavy way. I’m just sorry we fell short in the World Series. But he, with others obviously, had a great part in us getting where we did, becoming American League champs in 2024.”

What’s Next for the Yankees?

With Soto now off the table, the Yankees are pivoting to Plan B. Aaron Judge is expected to return to right field, opening up a potential starting role in center field for Jasson Dominguez, the organization’s top prospect. The Yankees also have significant financial flexibility to explore other options in free agency and the trade market.

Here’s a look at some of the Yankees’ potential targets:

• Starting Pitchers: The Yankees have already met with Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, the top two starting pitchers on the free-agent market.
• Trade Options: The team has expressed interest in Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet and Chicago Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger.
• Outfielders: Free agents Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez are on the Yankees’ radar.
• Infielders: Third baseman Alex Bregman is another potential target.

Unfortunately, the Yankees missed out on left-hander Blake Snell and shortstop Willy Adames, who signed with other teams while the Yankees were focused on Soto. But Cashman remains optimistic. “It’s not easy to find matches with comfort in free agency,” he said. “Typically, you have to get out of your comfort zone, but we’re also, at the same time, not going to be drunken sailors. We’re going to do our best to try to improve the team based on our evaluations, based on our capabilities.”

Looking Ahead

For Yankees fans, Soto’s decision is a bitter pill to swallow, especially after the team’s aggressive pursuit. But Cashman and Steinbrenner are determined to regroup and build a roster capable of contending for a championship in 2025. “The Steinbrenner family’s efforts are strong typically, and we’ll hopefully run into some things that can benefit us that will make our fans excited as we move forward,” Cashman said.

As for the Mets, they’ve made a statement with this historic signing. Soto’s arrival not only strengthens their lineup but also shifts the balance of power in New York baseball. The rivalry between the Yankees and Mets just got a whole lot more interesting.