Inside the $765 Million Marriage of Juan Soto and the Mets
In the lush backyard of his sprawling 11,540-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion, Steve Cohen, the wealthiest owner in baseball, was deep in conversation with Juan Soto. Next to the saltwater pool equipped with an underwater sound system, Cohen was discussing the art of building something great. This wasn’t just idle chatter; it was a lesson drawn from his own life experiences. Cohen’s hedge fund had once made him one of the richest men in the world, but insider trading by two employees led to a $1.8 billion fine and the dissolution of the business. Now, he was sharing these insights with Soto, hoping to convey that work ethic, drive, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of something bigger and lasting.
As Cohen locked eyes with Juan Soto, he posed a simple yet profound question: “What are your aspirations?”
Soto, known for his careful consideration, paused. His mastery of the strike zone and ability to process information quickly had propelled him from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to the heights of baseball stardom. Now, sitting in California’s 90210 ZIP code, Cohen was trying to convince him to join the New York Mets.
Soto’s answer was ambitious. He wanted to win multiple championships, earn a Gold Glove, and achieve a million other goals. But most importantly, he declared, “I want to be the best hitter of all time.”
More than 17,500 players have stepped into a major league batter’s box, and Soto’s aspiration to top that list was audacious. Yet, Cohen saw in Soto a kindred spirit, someone who embodied the vision he had for the Mets. The franchise, often overshadowed by the New York Yankees, was finally poised to replace decades of mismanagement with a functional leadership team. Cohen believed the Mets could become a franchise that any free agent would choose over the other 29 clubs, especially a 26-year-old like Soto in search of his forever home.
At the outdoor table, Cohen was flanked by Soto and the Mets’ new president of baseball operations, David Stearns. Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, sat across from Alex Cohen, Steve’s wife. Her father, 93-year-old Ralph Garcia, a lifelong Mets fan, was also present, as was Cohen’s son, Josh. The gathering emphasized that while the Mets operated on principles akin to Cohen’s hedge funds, at heart, they were a family business.
For hours, they talked, enjoying Dominican food and ensuring that the match between team and player was as perfect in person as it was in the computer models that suggested Cohen spend more money to secure Soto’s services than had ever been guaranteed to a professional athlete.
Cohen, a renowned art collector, shared a story about Picasso’s Le Rêve, a piece he had long coveted. After a mishap delayed the purchase, Cohen eventually acquired it for $155 million. The moral of the story was clear: when Cohen wants something, nothing will stop him from getting it. With that, the lights dimmed, and a video created by Josh Cohen played, showing Soto in a Mets uniform, at Citi Field, and even a bronze statue of him next to Tom Seaver’s.
Two months after signing the largest contract in professional sports history, a 15-year, $765 million deal, Soto was ready to report to Mets spring training. Despite his nerves, he was determined to put in the work and achieve his lofty goals. The Mets, once the distant step-cousin to the Yankees, were now poised to redefine their legacy with Soto as their anchor.
Soto’s journey to the Mets was marked by careful consideration of his options. He had turned down multiple contract-extension offers from the Nationals, prioritizing fit over money. Ultimately, Cohen’s commitment to building something lasting resonated with Soto, leading him to choose the Mets over the Yankees.
As Soto settled into his new role, he was determined to remain true to himself. “I just bring myself. This is who I am. I hope you guys like it,” he said. His presence alone brought excitement to Mets fans, who saw him as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
With Soto in the fold, the Mets were ready to challenge the loaded NL East and redefine their place in baseball history. As Cohen had envisioned, the Mets were no longer New York’s baseball bridesmaids but a team worthy of the city they called home.
- Steve Cohen’s vision for the Mets
- Juan Soto’s aspirations and journey
- The Mets’ transformation under Cohen’s leadership
In French, the name of the Picasso that Cohen bought from Steve Wynn — Le Rêve — means “dream.” The Mets are living theirs, and they don’t intend to wake up anytime soon.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
