Steve Cohen has truly played the role of Santa Claus for Mets fans this holiday season, delivering a monumental gift: Juan Soto. The 26-year-old superstar joined the Mets after signing what is now the largest contract in sports history. Many speculate the deal was driven by financial incentives, a sentiment echoed by the late Giants GM George Young, who famously claimed that finances often determine such outcomes. However, Soto revealed a different motivation.
During his introductory press conference, Soto explained that his decision to join the Mets stemmed from their hunger for victory. After the team’s recent close call in the World Series, Soto expressed a desire to be part of a winning organization, one that could help him secure a championship ring. The slugger reportedly had serious offers from the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Mets, with negotiations starting at $600 million and eventually soaring to $765 million. When these offers reached that level, teams were also expected to pay a hefty signing bonus of up to $60 million.
So, what tipped the scales in favor of the Mets? The answer lay in their willingness to meet specific family-related demands. Soto’s mother played a key role in the negotiations, requesting a family suite as part of the deal. While the Yankees balked at breaking their internal rules to accommodate this request, Steve Cohen had no such reservations. He readily agreed to the suite and added further perks, such as 22 Delta Club premium seats and dedicated security for Soto and his family at home games. Rumors also suggest that the Mets included additional “family services” in the contract, possibly covering chartered flights for Soto’s family to attend road games and a clothing allowance for his mother.
Cohen’s comprehensive approach not only secured Soto’s signature but reportedly added about $60 million in value to the deal, pushing its total cost to an estimated $825 million. This has reportedly drawn the attention of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, given the unprecedented nature of the agreement.
At the press conference, held at Citi Field’s Piazza Club, Soto emphasized his admiration for the Mets’ ambition. He praised the organization’s recent strides in building a competitive and potentially dynastic team. While Soto’s contract runs for 15 years, he retains the option to leave after the 2029 season if his average annual salary isn’t raised by $4 million.
Soto also noted that he has not been in contact with any of his former Yankees teammates since the signing. Reports indicate that the Yankees had offered a $760 million, 16-year deal, but their reluctance to meet all of Soto’s family-focused requests ultimately cost them. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Red Sox also showed strong interest but fell short of matching the Mets’ comprehensive offer.
Steve Cohen described the acquisition of Soto as a transformative move, accelerating the team’s goal of winning championships. The deal reflects the Mets’ commitment to building a powerhouse and ensuring they remain competitive in the yea
rs to come.