In December 2024, the baseball world in New York was shaken by a major decision. Just days after playing in the World Series with the Yankees, Juan Soto made a shocking move—signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract, not with the Yankees, but with their city rivals, the Mets. The deal was monumental in both its financial scope and the impact it had on the rivalry between the two teams. However, it wasn’t just the move itself that caused waves; Soto’s own words about his decision sparked further controversy.
Soto’s Justification Sparks Debate
McMonigle went off on Juan Soto saying he wasn’t sure where the Yankees will be in 6-7 years
“It’s more BS to try and push it anywhere except ‘I signed for the money.'” Listen to the full rant: https://t.co/cbKBpuFbKh pic.twitter.com/vMj7V8wXn7
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) March 24, 2025
In a recent interview, Soto explained his reasoning, basing it on both financial factors and his outlook on the Yankees’ future. He stated, “I know the Yankees are going to be good for the next five, six years. We don’t know after that.” While seemingly a neutral assessment, his words suggested that he saw a limited window of contention for one of baseball’s most storied franchises—a statement that did not sit well with many fans and analysts.
Chris McMonigle, a sports commentator, delivered a scathing response, saying, “Shut up. Are we serious? There’s not another franchise in sports that you can feel more confident or has a better track record.” He pointed to the Yankees’ history of success, including their record 27 World Series titles, 40 American League pennants, and 57 postseason appearances, arguing that Soto’s statement was unfounded.
Was It Really About the Money?
McMonigle and others dismissed Soto’s comments as an attempt to justify what they saw as a purely financial decision. “It’s more BS to try and push it anywhere except ‘I signed for the money,’” McMonigle said bluntly. Soto’s massive contract with the Mets undoubtedly played a significant role in his choice, and history has shown that financial incentives often drive such moves.
Examples abound in baseball: Johnny Damon famously left the Red Sox for the Yankees, Jason Heyward took a huge contract to join the Cubs over staying with the Cardinals, and Zack Greinke openly admitted salary was a key factor in his decision to sign with the Dodgers. Soto’s move appears to fit this pattern.
Loyalty vs. Financial Security
While many players chase the biggest payday, there have been exceptions. Some, like Aaron Nola, turned down larger offers to stay with their teams. Tony Gwynn, known as “Mr. Padre,” spent his entire career with San Diego, repeatedly taking less money to remain loyal. However, such cases are increasingly rare in modern baseball, where financial security often trumps loyalty.
Soto’s decision also places him in a unique group of players who have suited up for both New York franchises. Dwight “Doc” Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Rickey Henderson all played for both the Mets and Yankees at different points in their careers. Though controversial at times, such moves only add to the intensity of the rivalry.
Aaron Judge Responds
Soto’s reasoning for joining the Mets—suggesting they had a better chance of winning a championship—was met with pushback, including from his former Yankees teammate, Aaron Judge. Responding to Soto’s remarks, Judge said, “That’s his opinion. He can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him… We’re going to be battling back and forth for quite a few years.”
Judge’s response only adds fuel to the fire, setting the stage for intense matchups between the Mets and Yankees in the coming seasons.
The Battle for New York
Whether Soto’s words were a calculated explanation or an honest assessment, they have ignited controversy and fueled an already fierce rivalry. His decision to leave the Yankees for their city rivals will be debated for years, but one thing is certain: New York baseball just got a lot more interesting.