Free agent star OF Juan Soto finally decided on his future Sunday evening.
Suffice it to say, but he’ll pick up the checks from now on when his team goes to dinner. That team is still located in New York — though not in the Bronx anymore.
Soto reportedly agreed to a 15-year deal with $765 million with the New York Mets. Some elements within the contract could push it north of $800 million. Soto will receive a $75 million signing bonus, and his contract does have an opt-out clause after the first five years.
The Yankees reportedly offered $760 million over 16 years. While in the general ballpark, they couldn’t close the deal — and instead watched as their 26-year-old star moved over to the team often referred to as their little brother.
There’s no other way to say this: The Mets bested the Yankees in a scenario we’ve not seen too often in the histories of their respective franchises. It sends a major message to the city that Steve Cohen and the Mets are not messing around when it comes to assembling a team capable of winning a World Series.
While money was a clear factor, the Mets seemingly possess a younger, more dynamic roster comparatively speaking to the Yankees. They also have better prospects and a financial element that could even outweigh the gravitas and history of the Yankees when it comes to signing free agents.
The Mets still have a plethora of holes within its roster — namely in the starting rotation and the bullpen. Carlos Mendoza’s team is still a ways away from coming close to what the Dodgers have.
At the same time, there’s a real buzz emanating from this franchise. A Soto-Francisco Lindor pairing is very elite, and with more tweaks, this team could be the favorite to win the NL East next season.
