Major League Baseball star Juan Soto’s snubbing of the New York Yankees for the Cross-town rivals the Mets came as a shock for many. However, well before it became news yesterday, a parody skit and a burner account tweet were able to predict the outcome perfectly.
‘SNL’ Skit Pokes Fun at Juan Soto’s Decision
Soto’s decision, which ultimately saw him signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, was such a hot topic that it landed a prime spot on “Saturday Night Live.” The December 2 episode of Saturday Night Live opened with a Church Chat skit featuring Dana Carvey reprising his iconic role as the judgmental Church Lady. Joining the scene was Marcello Hernandez playing Juan Soto, sporting a white jersey emblazoned with a question mark and a Celsius energy drink hat—a nod to his recent commercial teasing a major announcement.
In the skit, Church Lady sternly reminded the “fake” Soto that “money is the root of all evil.” Soto, unfazed, quipped:
“Well, if that’s true, then I’m gonna become the most evil baseball player in the world.”
The sketch hilariously explored Soto’s free-agency decision, parodying the swirling speculation about which team would secure the coveted slugger. When asked about his preferred destination, Soto responded:
“I don’t know. Right now, I hope the Yankees make me the best offer.”
Then came a biting dig at the Mets. Church Lady posed a moral question:
“Why not spend your time and money helping the needy and less fortunate?”
The audience erupted in laughter as SNL took a playful jab at the long-suffering Mets franchise, known for its history of near-misses and underdog status in New York’s competitive sports market.
Yankees
At the time of the SNL skit’s airing, rumors about Soto’s future were already reaching a fever pitch. MLB insiders, including The Post’s Jon Heyman, reported that both the Yankees and Mets had increased their offers to Soto, pushing their bids into the $710 million-$730 million range.
The staggering offers easily surpassed Shohei Ohtani’s previous record-setting $700 million contract with the Dodgers, which included substantial deferrals. With multiple suitors like the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays reportedly in the mix, Soto’s future remained uncertain.
Online leak on Juan Soto contract proves to be right
Before Soto’s official signing announcement, an intriguing twist emerged: someone on X (formerly Twitter) using the handle @Anthony8303049 accurately predicted key details of the deal two days before the official announcement.
The anonymous post read:
“I’m posting this on a burner account, so l do not get anyone in trouble… I am told Juan Soto has made his decision to sign with the Mets at 15 years, $745 Million, on a Signing Bonus and Opt Outs included. Waiting for specifics on the contract.”
While the exact amount was off by $20 million, the prediction nailed several essential details, including the 15-year term, the inclusion of a significant signing bonus, and an opt-out clause after Year 5. The actual contract includes a $75 million signing bonus, an opt-out after five years, and no deferred payments.
According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, the deal also features an innovative clause allowing the Mets to increase Soto’s annual salary by $4 million after Year 5, potentially raising the contract’s value to $805 million.
A defining moment in free-agency history
SL
Soto’s blockbuster free agency came on the heels of a career-best season with the Yankees. In 157 games, he slashed .288/.419/.569 while setting personal records in hits (156), runs scored (128), home runs (41), and OPS+ (178). His efforts earned him his fifth Silver Slugger award and placed him third in AL MVP voting.
Despite his individual success, the Yankees fell just short of a World Series victory, fueling speculation that they would stop at nothing to retain their star outfielder. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner reportedly matched the Mets’ offer multiple times, but Mets owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to go all-in financially sealed the deal.
Soto’s signing reshapes not only the Mets’ roster but also the entire MLB landscape. He is expected to anchor a Mets lineup already featuring elite talent, raising World Series expectations for the franchise.
As SNY’s Andy Martino described the late-stage negotiations:
“The Yankees were ‘in the lead for Soto all through the process,’ but Mets owner Steve Cohen ‘came from the top rope very late and got it done.’ He wasn’t going to be denied—not by the dollars, at least.”
Soto’s free-agency saga has already entered baseball folklore, from an SNL parody to a mysterious online leak that eerily predicted the contract’s final terms. His decision ultimately reshaped the power dynamics within MLB, strengthening the Mets while leaving the Yankees with a massive void in their lineup.
As the MLB world adjusts to this new reality, one thing is certain: Soto’s journey from free agent to record-setting Mets star will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and entertaining chapters in baseball history.
