Every off-season brings with it a new hero, and last year it was Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers captivated the entire baseball world. But now, there’s a new king in town, and his name is Juan Soto. The 26-year-old slugger has officially chosen his next home, and it’s the New York Mets. However, securing Soto’s services was no easy feat.

But Mets owner Steve Cohen came through with an offer too good to turn down. Cohen put forward an eye-popping 15-year, $765 million deal, including a signing bonus, making it the largest in MLB history. Soto, visibly thrilled, couldn’t resist the magnitude of the offer, and the moment was beautifully captured by his brother.

Juan Soto’s splash and celebrates

If anyone deserves a celebration tonight, it’s undeniably Juan Soto. This is his moment. Just two years ago, he left teammates and the baseball world stunned by turning down a massive $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals. At the time, many questioned his decision, but Soto knew his worth. He believed he deserved more—and today, he’s proven that waiting was worth it.

Juan Soto’s brother, Elian Soto, captured the moment perfectly in an Instagram story. There, Juan Soto was caught off guard in a hot tub, as Elian playfully poured what appeared to be a celebratory drink, perhaps a beer, over him. With impeccable timing, Elian captioned the video, “Got his a–,” followed by a resounding, “You earned it.” And no doubt, Soto earned it. His historic $765 million deal is not just about the eye-popping amount—it’s about everything that comes with it.

On top of the massive contract, Soto is receiving a $75 million signing bonus. Unlike Shohei Ohtani’s deal, which was heavily deferred, Soto’s deal is fully realized in its value. While Ohtani’s contract is estimated to be worth around $461 million in real terms, Soto’s exceeds that by a wide margin, making his deal the largest in MLB history.

However, while Soto is basking in his historic moment, the excitement isn’t shared by all. Once-loyal fans are now expressing frustration and disappointment over his departure, and that bittersweet sentiment may linger for a while.

Fans give a piece of their mind on Juan Soto’s Mets move

The reaction to Juan Soto’s monumental signing with the New York Mets has been a mix of excitement and frustration. One user shared their displeasure, saying, “He’s happy about the figure, cares less about the team. Can’t wait to see the absolute tinpot lineups the Mets have for the next couple of years.” While the Mets have certainly made moves to improve their bullpen, adding Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, it’s clear that their lineup still needs further reinforcement.

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user stating, “He doesn’t care about the Mets, bruh; he just wants money.” It’s no secret that Soto sought a high-paying deal from a competitive team. He’s signing a long-term contract, and he emphasized the importance of forming a connection with the owner. Steve Cohen’s hands-on approach likely resonated with Soto, who valued that personal connection as much as the financials.

Then, there’s the frustration of Yankees fans, with one calling Soto a “sellout” and claiming he’s “overvalued” and “overhyped” adding that only players like Shohei Ohtani deserve such a large sum. While Soto’s contract is indeed enormous, his youth and upside make him an incredibly valuable asset. Ohtani, though a legend, is older, which makes Soto’s long-term potential even more appealing.

Some fans attempted to provide a reality check, with one user saying, “All that to never actually win another WS. Weird flex.” Soto’s contract does include an opt-out clause after the 2029 season, so if the Mets’ championship dreams don’t materialize, he has the flexibility to move on.

The sadness from Yankee fans was palpable, with one posting, “🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️bro, bro all love we showed him for nothing; nun that’s what hurts the most.” Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman worked hard to secure Soto, traveling to California to meet with him and offering a competitive $760 million deal. So while the Yankees didn’t fall short in their pursuit, it’s understandable why the loss stings so much.

But now that Soto’s chapter this offseason has closed, the Yankees must look ahead. There are still free agents available who can help bolster their roster and get them closer to another championship run. Could they make the most of this opportunity? Time will tell. How do you see Soto’s career panning out at the New York Mets? Tell us in the comment section below!