The New York Yankees fans in this off-season felt one big emotion—betrayal! Or maybe it was just pure shock. Because that’s what came upon fans when they watched Juan Soto sign with the New York Mets. The team whom most called the ‘younger brother’ of the NY Yankees ended up taking in the gem of the season. The Yankees needed Juan Soto because, along with Aaron Judge, the duo was absolute fire in 2024, leading the team to the World Series. Combined, they made 99 home runs and were compared to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—such was their partnership.

But shockingly, Soto ditched the comfortable protection he got from Judge and headed to City Field. The cross-town rivals did pay an arm and a leg, though it wouldn’t really burn a hole in Steve Cohen’s bank account. Soto got a $765 million contract, but wait till you hear the perks. A security service, premium tickets for games, and also a suite for Soto—all helped him clinch the deal. Right now, the MLB odds are in, and his projected 2025 home run total is over 34.5 (+102) or under 34.5 (-130). But not everyone is sold on this number.

Erik Kratz all in for Juan Soto smashing in Mets 2025

Erik Kratz at the Foul Territory podcast is all in on Juan Soto smashing the expectations this time. He said, “This is a slam dunk for me.” According to him, Soto has played 35 games in Citi Field, and he proved that he can adjust his swing according to the needs. Hence, it won’t be that difficult for Soto. Plus, a major factor Kratz brought out is that Soto isn’t even at his prime yet. Soto is just 26, and Kratz said that 28 to 32 is your prime. So, he is definitely going over. “This is my lock for the year,” said Erik. His co-host, Scott Braun, agreed with a touch of caution.

Braun reminded everyone that people last year didn’t think that Juan Soto would even hit 30 in Yankee Stadium, and he went 40+, a figure they had anticipated. However, one place he mentions Soto can improve is “power.” But he agreed that the way the Dominican has dominated in different parks shows he is ready for the challenge.

Now Juan Soto is coming off a great season with the Yankees. He slashed .288/.389/.600 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. Even post-season numbers were great. Now, he is joining the Mets lineup, and while there is no Aaron Judge, there are Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, and Brandon Nimmo. They give pitchers nightmares, so he isn’t without— any protection! Plus, with all these factors, the New York Mets enter the 2025 season with the third-best odds to win the National League and the fourth-best for winning the World Series. So far it looks like Soto will crush the expectations in Queens.

Did Juan Soto’s Mets deal help the Yankees?

Juan Soto inked his record-breaking deal, and it left Yankee fans sad. But it might have been a blessing in disguise, as per many insiders, including MLB analyst and former catcher Chris Gimenez. For him, because the Yankees didn’t have Juan Soto, they could make such bold and crucial offseason moves. They just spread that wealth they had pooled in for one player. They got Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt and even traded to get Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs.

Speaking on MLB Network Radio, Gimenez highlighted Goldschmidt’s arrival as a key to the lineup. “I think [Soto] did the Yankees a favor. It allowed them to go after quality veteran guys like Paul Goldschmidt. To me, this is the right move at the right time for not only the Yankees but also Goldie,” said Gimenez. And he isn’t really wrong.

Goldschmidt is a former MVP with 22 home runs in the last season. He isn’t just another bat; he is a cornerstone. Gimenez mentioned how Goldie could help take off some of the offensive burden from Aaron Judge. Gimenez said, “You now have a first baseman you can feel very confident in, much like Anthony Rizzo was last year when he was healthy and on the field.” Yes, there will be a learning curve for Goldie when he reaches Yankee Stadium, but Goldschmidt Giminez believes he has the body, bat, and ability to get the job done in the ballpark.

So it seems like while Soto is ready to dazzle in the Queens, the Yankees are quietly building a deeper team. A move that can pay up big time in 2025. What do you think?