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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

New York Giants GM George Young has famously once said that in MLB, it’s always going to be about the money. Now, when Juan Soto said the team’s future and the connection he had with the owner and franchise mattered most, many bought into it. But it seems like money was indeed the biggest factor in him choosing his team. The New York Mets offered him a whopping $765 million, a never-before-seen contract; but then, even the New York Yankees offered him $760 million and bonuses. So what made him choose the Mets and leave the most-storied franchise? Well, it might have come down to the perks!

There were bonus efforts that Soto maybe couldn’t ignore. His mom, Belkis Pacheco, had demanded a suite at the stadium, where he ended up signing. The Yankees had declined, and Hal Steinbrenner supposedly got all fired up. “We’re gonna pay you $760 million, and you can’t afford to pay for your own suite?” Hal had claimed, according to Daily News reports. Meanwhile, the Mets not only gave that suite but made it far sweeter, with full security services and more. While Soto might have cheered for this deal, many jeered; Gary Sheffield Jr., son of the former Yankee player Gary Sheffield, recently dismissed his take.

Sheffield’s bold A-Rod take puts Soto’s under fire

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After Juan Soto signed the Mets’ contract, Sheffield made a bold statement that hinted at the reasons behind this decision. Sheffield mentioned that in today’s baseball world, Alex Rodriguez would get a $1 billion deal. Gary Sheffield noted, “Man not only asked to put on the pinstripes but moved positions to make it work, knowing he was not just the best shortstop but the best player on the team.” Now this might sting!

Gary Sheffield Jr. had the chance to see A-Rod up close, back when his dad was teammates with him from 2004 to 2006. “A generational franchise player,” Sheffield Jr. remarked about A-Rod, and there is no denying it, given what Alex Rodriguez did for the Yankees. He was traded from the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees to fill in the gaping hole left by Aaron Boone’s injury; however, the Yankees had Derek Jeter, and hence, A-Rod decided to play third base instead.

Rodriguez didn’t chase other paychecks but embraced the challenge of wearing pinstripes, and Sheffield Jr. bringing this fact up now sure does hint at him questioning Juan Soto’s move to the New York Mets.

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What’s your perspective on:

Did Juan Soto choose perks over legacy by signing with the Mets instead of the Yankees?

Have an interesting take?

Juan Soto leaving is not the worst decision for the Bronx

Now, Sheffield Jr. isn’t the only one shaking his head over Juan Soto’s decision to join the Mets; he has plenty of company—Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, for example. Although he acknowledged that the $765 million probably didn’t mean much for Steve Cohen, Russo quoted Soto’s deal as outrageous. According to him, although Juan Soto hits like Ted Williams, he is far from being a well-rounded player. Furthermore, Russo had a bold take for his new team: “In 5 years, he is going to be your designated hitter.”

via Imago

Moreover, Chris Russo summed it up best for the New York Yankee fans: “I don’t think that’s the worst thing for the Yankees.” For Russo, spending this much on a player who is set to be a DH does not make much sense; plus, one cannot deny that Soto has struggled defensively and his baserunning has been exposed. Without Aaron Judge behind him, protecting him in the lineup, the chances of Soto shining as he did this season seem slim to many. The proof? His time in San Diego was not a confidence booster.

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Amidst the buzz surrounding Soto’s departure from the Yankees, even icons like actor Chazz Palminteri have spoken on the matter, thanking Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner, who put a stop to what he calls “insanity.” So, for now, the Yankees sure have a hole in the lineup, but they can focus on talents like Alex Bregman. Do you think letting go of Juan Soto was a good decision for the Yankees? Let us know below.

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Did Juan Soto choose perks over legacy by signing with the Mets instead of the Yankees?