Juan Soto Chooses Mets Over Yankees: A Decision That Shakes New York Baseball
NEW YORK — The baseball world is buzzing, and for good reason. Juan Soto, one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball, has officially traded pinstripes for Mets blue and orange. His decision to sign with the New York Mets not only strengthens their chances of dominating the league for years to come but also delivers a gut-punch to their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. Soto’s move has left fans, analysts, and even his former teammates reeling.
On Thursday, during his introductory press conference at Citi Field, Soto revealed that the Yankees “did everything in their power” to keep him in the Bronx. But in the end, the Mets’ vision for the future and their commitment to building a dynasty won him over.
“I don’t think it was the Mets over the Yankees,” Soto explained. “I think it was five teams that [were] right there on the table. I don’t think it had anything to do with the Mets over the Yankees. I think we had all five teams pushing until the last moment, until the last time of making the decision. And we went over to the Mets.”
Soto’s Stellar Season in the Bronx
It’s hard to overstate just how dominant Soto was during his lone season with the Yankees. The 25-year-old slugger smashed a career-high 41 home runs, finished third in American League MVP voting, and helped the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, and the Yankees were determined to keep him in pinstripes.
According to sources, the Yankees offered Soto a jaw-dropping 16-year, $760 million contract with no deferrals. It would have been the largest contract in professional sports history. But Soto ultimately chose the Mets’ 15-year, $765 million deal, which includes a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the fifth year. The Mets can avoid the opt-out by adding $4 million to Soto’s annual salary over the final 10 years, potentially raising the total value to $805 million.
“I had other four teams doing the same thing and trying to make me comfortable,” Soto said. “And at the end of the day, we looked at everything. We looked at the chances, and we looked at what the other teams wanted to do and what everyone wants to do for the next 15 years. And I think we have the best chance over here.”
What Set the Mets Apart?
So, what tipped the scales in the Mets’ favor? According to Soto, it was the organization’s vision for the future, their financial commitment, and the way they treat players and their families. Mets owner Steve Cohen played a pivotal role in the recruitment process, going above and beyond to make Soto feel valued.
“When you get to those numbers, you’re in a stratosphere,” Cohen said. “And so you got to make a judgment call that this is really going to matter to the Mets and be something that’s going to drive our goal to win championships. To get a player of his caliber is really unusual. So you got to step a little bit further than you would expect.”
One key detail that stood out was Soto’s request for a family suite in his contract. Cohen didn’t hesitate to include it, a step the Yankees reportedly weren’t willing to take. The Mets also impressed Soto with their personalized approach during the recruitment process. Instead of meeting at a hotel like the other teams, the Mets hosted Soto at Cohen’s $32 million mansion in Beverly Hills. There, they presented a custom video in English, created by Cohen’s son, Josh, inside the home’s movie theater. Cohen’s wife, Alex, also made a strong impression by emphasizing the importance of family.
The Road Ahead
With Soto now donning the No. 22 jersey for the Mets, the team’s expectations are sky-high. Cohen has made it clear that he envisions winning two to four World Series titles over the next decade, and Soto is a big part of that plan.
“The Mets are a great organization and what they have done in the past couple of years, showing all the ability to keep winning…to try to grow a dynasty is one of the most important things,” Soto said. “What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable. The vibes and everything. The feel and the future that this team has, it has a lot to do with my decision.”
Key Takeaways from Soto’s Decision
- The Yankees offered Soto a 16-year, $760 million deal, but the Mets’ 15-year, $765 million contract won out.
- Soto’s deal includes a $75 million signing bonus, a family suite, and an opt-out clause after five years.
- The Mets’ personalized recruitment process, including a meeting at Cohen’s mansion, played a significant role in Soto’s decision.
- Soto’s move shifts the balance of power in New York baseball, with the Mets aiming to build a dynasty.
As Soto put it, “It’s been a Mets town for a long time. I think we just gotta bring it to the top. Championships are gonna tell you if it’s a Yankees or a Mets town at the end of the day.”
One thing is certain: the battle for New York baseball supremacy just got a whole lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
