Boston Red Sox icon David Ortiz, known for his vibrant personality and playful banter, couldn’t resist taking a shot at longtime rivals, the New York Yankees. His latest jab came in the comments section of Juan Soto’s Instagram post celebrating his landmark deal with the New York Mets.
Soto, the star outfielder, shared a triumphant photo on Instagram following the announcement of his record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets — a deal that could climb past $800 million with incentives. Ortiz cheekily commented, “The… Yankees lose,” punctuating the remark with several laughing emojis.
The Yankees, determined to land the 26-year-old slugger, reportedly offered Soto a colossal 16-year, $760 million deal. Yet even that mammoth proposal fell short compared to the Mets’ historic offer.
Soto’s decision to sign with the Mets dealt a blow to the Yankees’ offseason ambitions. However, the Bronx Bombers rebounded swiftly by bolstering their pitching staff. They secured All-Star starting pitcher Max Fried and acquired elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, signaling their intent to remain competitive in the fierce AL East race.
Additionally, reports suggest that the Yankees are still exploring other high-profile acquisitions to keep pace with their rivals. Their aggressive approach underscores the intense competition within the league as teams jostle for dominance ahead of the 2025 season.
Ortiz’s Red Sox leniency contrasts Yankees
Before Soto finalized his contract with the Mets, Ortiz actively campaigned for the slugger to join the Red Sox. Speaking on the popular “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, Ortiz revealed he personally reached out to Soto during free agency.
“We wanted him in Boston,” Ortiz admitted. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
Ortiz’s pitch centered on the unique leadership and clubhouse chemistry he believed Soto could bring to the Red Sox, similar to what Ortiz himself once provided.
“If he signs with this organization, which is an amazing organization, he can balance the clubhouse in a way that I did,” Ortiz explained. “He’s gonna have Coach Papi in his corner.”
Despite Ortiz’s efforts, Soto ultimately chose the Mets over both the Red Sox and Yankees, securing the most lucrative contract in professional sports history.
Despite missing out on Soto for the Red Sox, Ortiz expressed nothing but admiration for the young superstar’s unprecedented contract.
“It’s great,” Ortiz said of Soto’s record-setting deal. “It’s well deserved, what he got, and we’re gonna continue cheering for him. He’s a great kid. You guys are gonna enjoy Soto for a while here.”
The competitive fire burns on
With Soto now anchoring the Mets’ lineup, the Yankees and Red Sox face heightened competition in the race for baseball supremacy. Both franchises are expected to remain aggressive in pursuing the top remaining free agents to strengthen their playoff prospects for the upcoming 2025 season.
The rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees has defined generations of baseball history. While Soto’s signing shifts the balance of power in the National League, the battle for dominance in the American League East intensifies.
Both clubs are no strangers to blockbuster deals and high-stakes trades. With the 2025 season approaching, all eyes will be on how these storied franchises adapt, reload, and respond to Soto’s monumental signing.
For now, Ortiz’s playful comment serves as a lighthearted reminder of baseball’s timeless rivalries — and that even off the field, the competitive fire between Boston and New York never truly fades.
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