The New York Mets have secured Juan Soto, the most sought-after player in this year’s free agency, with a record-breaking contract worth $765 million over 15 years. This deal surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s $665 million contract with the Dodgers by $100 million and narrowly beats the Yankees’ $700 million, 16-year offer to Soto. Mets fans are already celebrating the acquisition, though questions remain about whether Soto can replicate Ohtani’s impact of leading the Dodgers to a World Series win in his first season.
Mets owner Steve Cohen revealed that he felt defeated and pessimistic in the hours leading up to Soto’s decision. Cohen admitted that he believed the Yankees would win the bidding war, citing their illustrious history of 27 World Series championships and the presence of Aaron Judge, the 2024 American League MVP. Soto and Judge had also developed a strong relationship during Soto’s time with the Yankees, which further complicated the Mets’ pursuit.
Cohen explained his doubts, saying, “When you have [Aaron] Judge, it’s tough to beat that. Juan was great. But what they had… I didn’t know how to solve that.” However, Cohen remained persistent in the bidding process, despite his concerns that Soto would return to the Yankees. The competition also included other teams, such as the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Red Sox, though it quickly became clear that Soto would choose between the Mets and the Yankees.
Ultimately, Cohen’s perseverance paid off when the Yankees declined to match the Mets’ final offer. After Soto accepted the deal, Cohen expressed his gratitude in a conversation with the superstar, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of the negotiations. “There was a lot of emotion and a lot of ups and downs, not knowing where you stood,” Cohen said.
Following the announcement, Soto appeared thrilled with his decision, as seen in a viral social media video of him celebrating with a champagne bath. Cohen expressed optimism about Soto’s future with the Mets, saying, “Juan’s going to be very happy with the Mets.”
The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees is set to intensify next season, with the Mets hoping to shift the balance of power in New York. While Cohen emphasized a desire for both teams to coexist, the upcoming season may force fans to reconsider whether New York remains a Yankees town or if it’s time to recognize the Mets as legitimate contenders.