Juan Soto was introduced as the newest member of the New York Mets on Thursday at Citi Field, officially signing a 15-year, $765 million deal that made waves across Major League Baseball. The record-setting contract came after a stellar 2024 season in which Soto helped the Yankees win 94 games and reach the World Series.
Juan Soto opens up about leaving Yankees for Mets after record-breaking deal
For Yankees fans, Juan Soto’s departure stings, especially after his key contributions during the postseason. Questions about why the Yankees didn’t retain him have lingered, with some pointing to failed negotiations over perks like a ballpark suite. But during his introductory press conference, Soto shed light on another aspect of his free agency process: the lack of communication with his former teammates.
“I haven’t talked to any of those guys,” Soto said. “We spoke during the playoffs, but after that, throughout this process, I haven’t had any contact with them.”
The lack of correspondence has sparked debates among fans. Did the Yankees do enough to make Juan Soto feel part of the team’s long-term future? Could stronger camaraderie have influenced his decision? These are questions Yankees faithful are left grappling with as they process his move across town.
Still, Juan Soto had nothing but gratitude for Yankees fans, who embraced him during his lone season in the Bronx.
“I want to say thank you,” Juan Soto said. “They really showed me all the love they had, day in and day out. They truly hold a special place in my heart.”
At Citi Field, Soto praised the Mets’ aggressive approach to building a contender. Seated beside owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns, and agent Scott Boras, Juan Soto highlighted what drew him to Queens.
“They’ve shown a strong commitment to winning and building a dynasty,” Juan Soto said, now wearing his No. 22 Mets jersey. “Their hunger to win a championship is what opened my eyes.”
Cohen, known for his willingness to spend big, confirmed his commitment to turning the Mets into perennial contenders.
“My goal was to change how the Mets were perceived,” Cohen said. “We’re in a constant state of improvement and won’t stop striving for excellence.”
Yankees fans react to Juan Soto’s move to the Mets
Juan Soto’s departure from the Yankees to join the Mets has ignited a wave of reactions among fans on X (formerly Twitter), many of whom have started drawing comparisons between Soto and Aaron Judge. For some, the decision highlighted why the Yankees were right to avoid a costly commitment to Soto.
Fans praised Aaron Judge’s loyalty and leadership, contrasting it with Juan Soto’s move to a division rival. “Judge is everything the Yankees stand for. We didn’t need Soto,” one fan posted. Others expressed relief, stating that Soto’s departure saved the Yankees from making what they believed would have been a financial mistake. “Glad we didn’t spend that kind of money on him,” another wrote.
Juan Soto’s move to the Mets is bittersweet for Yankees fans, who witnessed his brilliance in 2024, including clutch postseason performances. The Yankees now face the challenge of moving forward without Soto as they look to build a team capable of returning to the World Series in 2025.
Meanwhile, Juan Soto joins a Mets squad fresh off an NLCS appearance and poised to contend again. For Yankees fans, the hope is that this rivalry reignites with postseason stakes—and perhaps a chance to show Soto what he left behind.
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