Following a fierce bidding war, Juan Soto officially donned a New York Mets uniform on Thursday. The Mets secured the highly sought-after free agent, outmaneuvering their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. During his introductory press conference, Soto addressed questions about communication with his former Yankees teammates during the free agency period.
Soto clarified, "I haven't spoken with any of them since the playoffs concluded. While we were in contact throughout the postseason, my free agency process has been independent. I haven't reached out to any of those guys."
This statement aligns with previous comments from Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who mentioned he hadn't spoken to Soto since the World Series. Judge emphasized the importance of giving players space during free agency, allowing them to make the best decision for themselves and their families.
The Mets made a historic investment in Soto, awarding him a 15-year, $765 million contract, potentially exceeding $800 million with escalators. This deal represents the most lucrative contract in professional sports history. The agreement includes a player opt-out after five years, which the Mets can negate by increasing Soto's annual salary to $55 million for the remaining contract duration.
Beyond the record-breaking salary, Soto will also enjoy perks such as a luxury suite for his family, premium game tickets, and security services. These additions further solidify the Mets' commitment to their new star player.
Soto, a four-time All-Star, is coming off a career-best season, finishing third in the AL MVP voting. He boasted a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and an impressive 129 walks, trailing only Judge in that category.
His clutch performances during the Yankees' World Series run, including a memorable game-winning home run against the Cleveland Guardians, demonstrated his value and impact on the field. Now, Soto joins a powerful Mets lineup, adding his talents alongside Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos.
