Juan Soto News: Chris Russo Lambasts Mets’ “Outrageous” $765M Deal With Someone Who’d Be a DH “In Five Years”

Hal Steinbrenner and the New York Yankees did, for sure, get a shock when Juan Soto decided for the New York Mets rather than coming back! It was surprising for most; after all, who wouldn’t want to be a Yankee and play in a franchise so rich in legacy? But Soto has already chosen, and nothing can be changed, and he is getting paid big time for it—$765 million for 15 years—never has MLB seen a contract as huge as this?

However, here is the catch: the Yankees offered him a big payday standing at $760 million for 16 years too. That’s not even a $5 million difference! Although Soto did get a signing bonus with the crosstown team, the New York Mets, is that his only reason behind letting go of the pinstripes? Now, it was rumored that Juan Soto had a great relationship with Steve Cohen, and it’s what triggered the move. However, not everyone buys that story—at least not Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

Chris Russo feels Juan Soto’s massive contract is outlandish 

Chris Russo was far from thrilled with Juan Soto’s blockbuster deal with the Mets. According to Mad Dog, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets helped get the deal. “He’s got more money than God,” Russo mentioned, specifying that Soto chose purely with financials in mind, plus perks like a suite in Citi Field and a bonus. However, for Russo, this deal makes no sense, not just money-wise but also because Soto isn’t worth so much.

Russo in ESPN MLB came out strongly against this contract, saying, “I mean, $765 million—that’s an outrageous contract to a guy who, again, in 5 years is going to be your designated hitter.” And Russo had reasons to back his statement; for him, Soto has struggled at the plate, from fielding to baserunning. The proof? Soto’s World Series run; as for Russo, Soto’s hitting can be compared to Ted Williams; he isn’t a well-rounded player.

Russo also dismissed the rumors about Juan Soto wearing orange and blue next season simply because he got along with Steve Cohen. “A bunch of nonsense,” Russo said, highlighting that Soto probably wanted to get away from the Yankee captain and wanted to be the face of the Mets franchise.

Stephen A. Smith reveals Aaron Judge as the reason

Stephen A. Smith, who was in conversation with Mad Dog, didn’t agree with all he said. However, getting away from Aaron Judge, even Smith agrees and mentions, “I’ve heard that Juan, you know, um, wasn’t really feeling Aaron Judge. I don’t know the particulars; I don’t cover the team, but that’s what I heard from people in the Dominican community.” Smith further pulled in speculation that Judge’s lackluster performance might be the prime reason Soto left.

Smith disagreed that for Soto it was such a weird or surprising choice to head to the Mets, noting, “If you are Juan Soto, and you’re going up against the Dodgers, and you saw Mookie Betts play the way that he played… and you watch Aaron Judge come up so small in the heat of that competition, is that what you want to stick with for years to come?” Furthermore, he pointed to Judge’s inability to shine in the clutch moments as the prime reason for this outcome.

Smith also highlighted that the Mets, in contrast, have Francisco Lindor, who has shown powerful performances. So, given that, Soto might be inclined to go there itself. Because without Judge anyway, the Yankees don’t seem to go far, much like this year, from regular to post-season. Moreover, the New York Yankees captain couldn’t even perform at the World Series.

While it might seem outlandish, Soto might have left to win and not cared much about the legacy. It’s a team sport, after all! What do you think was the cause? Share in the comments below.