The New York Mets are heading into the 2025 MLB season as a top World Series contender, thanks in large part to their blockbuster offseason signing of superstar Juan Soto to the largest contract in MLB history—a 15-year, $765 million deal with no deferrals and a $75 million signing bonus. The move sent shockwaves through the league, especially among fans of Soto’s former team, the New York Yankees, who were stunned to see him leave the Bronx for Queens. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci, Soto opened up about his decision, revealing doubts about the Yankees’ long-term future and his trust in Mets owner Steve Cohen’s vision.
Soto, who hit .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs in 2024 while helping the Yankees reach the World Series, explained that the length of his contract played a major role in his choice. “As you see how long this contract is going to be, it just came down to that decision, you know?” he said. “What do they have in the farm system? How many times can we be good on this team? I know the Yankees are going to be good for the next five, six years. We don’t know after that.” Soto expressed confidence in Cohen’s commitment to building a winner, adding, “That’s what he told me. He’s going to try to put a winning team out there every year. And he’s capable of it. And I give him all my trust. I hope to be happy.”
The move was a gut punch for Yankees fans, and Soto’s comments about the team’s free agency pursuit didn’t help. “I mean, they made a pretty good effort,” he said, but noted the negotiations felt uncertain. “They kept … they couldn’t get it done right. Like, I wanted to get it done, but they’re still bouncing around. ‘Here … at least that … maybe … maybe no …’ instead of just getting it done right away.” Soto’s frustration with the Yankees’ indecision contrasted with the Mets’ swift, decisive offer, which included a $51 million average annual value and a club option for a 16th year that could push the total value to $805 million.
Yankees fans, already reeling from losing their star right fielder, aren’t likely to take Soto’s explanation well. His departure to a crosstown rival—and a fellow World Series contender—has added fuel to an already heated rivalry. Soto acknowledged the Yankees’ effort but made it clear he felt the Mets offered a clearer path to sustained success. As the 2025 season approaches, with the Mets’ first game against the Padres on March 27, Soto’s comments have set the stage for a dramatic return to Yankee Stadium later this year—one that’s sure to be met with a chorus of boos from the Bronx faithful.
