Juan Soto is on the brink of learning the terms of his deal with the Mets.
With a staggering $765 million contract, he didn’t experience any delays.
The Mets made a 15-year pledge, suggesting they see this as his best shot at a championship, believing their future holds more promise than the Yankees’.
He also received quite the luxurious perks, along with everything Steve Cohen could offer.
Plus, he cultivated a lot of goodwill among the local fans.
These fans, who adored him last season, were chanting “Soto Re-signed,” firmly calling on Hal Steinbrenner to commit to a player who opted out of the heightened fame that accompanies a $760 million deal, including the honor of monument park and the top platform in baseball.
With the Yankees off on a road trip last week, the echoes of their fans’ promise of a unique and intense booing still resonate.
“I don’t care,” Soto remarked on Wednesday after his Mets bid farewell to the Pirates, preparing to face the Yankees in what’s anticipated as a highlight series.
During his stint at Yankee Stadium, he wrapped up a fantastic postseason run — boasting a 1.101 OPS — that led him to the World Series in just 14 games. Still, he was let down by teammates who faltered during Game 5 against the Dodgers.
The excitement of the season’s thrilling finish captivated Yankees fans, especially with Soto’s dynamic style. He even has his own cheering section in right field, batting before Aaron Judge, enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. Yet, he concluded that the Yankees never had a true edge over other teams.
Although the Yankees sought Soto to clinch a World Series, it didn’t pan out. If they hoped for a one-year stint in Pinstripes to sway him, that didn’t materialize either.
“I believe all teams have equal opportunities,” Soto asserted on October 30.
Negotiations stretched over six weeks, ending with a 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees.
Having debuted at just 19 and won a World Series the following year, he was traded twice and faced scrutiny at major events.
Now, though, he’s up against a different challenge: his former team.
“I’m prepared for anything they throw at me,” Soto said. “So whatever it is, I’m looking forward to enjoying it to the fullest.”
He anticipates a mixed reception. Although he cherishes the memories he made with Yankees fans, he knows the team has moved on, reshuffling without him alongside players like Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger.
Soto mentioned he has maintained a good rapport with Judge, whom he spoke with earlier in the season.
“You never really know,” Soto remarked on the audience’s reaction. “Some Yankees fans might be upset, others disappointed, and some are probably pleased.”
“I’m not sure. I guess we’ll see.”
It’s getting louder, maybe chaotic. It’s mostly unkind.
“It’s going to be thrilling,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mused.
This kind of experience is new for Soto: shifting from being a Bronx favorite to a somewhat villainous figure in Queens, from competing as an AL frontrunner to now an NL leader.
I believe he’s ready.
“I find it exciting,” Soto added. “It’s two first-place teams going head-to-head. It’s pretty fun.”
