What a ‘Juan-tastic’ time for the New York Mets! This is true as they have pulled off the crown jewel of the offseason, securing Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal. It wasn’t a straightforward victory, as several teams were in hot pursuit. The Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox all showed interest, but the fiercest competition came from across town—the New York Yankees. For a while, it seemed like the Yankees had the upper hand, but Mets owner Steve Cohen swooped in and dramatically changed the narrative.

Andy Martino of SNY described the pivotal moment, “Steve Cohen came from the top rope very late and got it done.” Cohen’s late-game maneuvering resulted in an offer so extraordinary that it left Soto no choice. The deal—a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract—is the largest in MLB history and a testament to Cohen’s determination to reshape the Mets’ future. In this piece, we take a closer look at this living embodiment of history.

Juan Soto’s $765 million leap to the Mets

This isn’t just another signing; it’s a monumental, historic commitment. The New York Mets not only agreed to a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract with Juan Soto but also included a $75 million signing bonus, sweetening the deal further. But the perks don’t stop there—Soto’s contract includes an opt-out clause after five seasons, giving him flexibility. Even more intriguing, if the team voids Soto’s opt-out clause after five years, the total value of the deal could escalate even further.

This agreement surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s previously record-setting $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Notably, much of Ohtani’s contract is deferred, reducing its real-world value to approximately $461 million. By comparison, Soto’s deal eclipses it in both scope and structure, with no deferred payments, making it the most lucrative and player-friendly contract in MLB history. MLB reports that if certain conditions are met, Juan Soto’s contract could balloon to 15 years and $805 million, with an astonishing average annual value (AAV) of $53.66 million.

This record-breaking deal came to fruition largely due to the relentless determination of Mets owner Steve Cohen. For nearly half a decade, Cohen has been on a mission to transform the New York Mets into a powerhouse franchise, and he recognized that Soto could be the centerpiece of that vision. Unwavering in his resolve, Cohen remained undeterred even as Soto’s contract demands escalated with each passing day.

The New York Yankees posed a significant challenge in the pursuit of Soto, reportedly offering a competitive 16-year deal worth $760 million. However, Cohen went above and beyond, adding enticing elements to his offer that made it nearly impossible for Soto to refuse. This landmark deal not only highlights Cohen’s ambition but also cements the Mets’ place at the forefront of MLB’s biggest offseason moves.

Why did Juan Soto choose the Mets over the Yankees?

Steve Cohen truly struck gold with the Juan Soto deal, securing a generational talent whose resume more than justifies the historic payday. Soto debuted with the Washington Nationals at just 19 years old and became a World Series champion at 20. Even early in his career, he demonstrated a clear sense of his worth, turning down a substantial offer from the Nationals because he believed he deserved more.

Soto further validated his value during his standout season with the Yankees, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first World Series appearance in 15 years. His performance cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and dynamic players, earning him a record-breaking contract with the Mets.

Juan Soto’s decision to choose the New York Mets over the Yankees has left the baseball world stunned. After all, who would willingly pass up the opportunity to don the iconic pinstripes? However, Soto’s choice appears to go beyond mere dollar signs. The Dominican superstar is known for valuing personal connections, particularly with team ownership—a bond he seemingly couldn’t establish with the Yankees’ reserved owner, Hal Steinbrenner.

In contrast, Steve Cohen’s hands-on approach likely played a pivotal role. Unlike traditional owners who remain confined to luxury boxes, Cohen is often seen in the clubhouse and on the field, fostering a sense of camaraderie and value among players. This personal touch may have tipped the scales for Soto, making the Mets a more appealing destination than any other suitor.

This isn’t just a signing; it’s a seismic shift in the power dynamics of New York baseball. With Soto now set to wear blue and orange instead of pinstripes, the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees is poised to reach new heights. As Juan Soto begins this next chapter, the question looms: How will this decision shape the future of New York baseball? Let the debate—and the rivalry—intensify!