Baseball's Biggest Surprise: How the Mets Snatched Juan Soto

Believe it or not, the New York Mets have become the proud owners of baseball superstar Juan Soto. At just 26, Soto has bagged a massive 15-year, $765 million deal. This isn't just big news—it's a game-changer for the MLB! Soto's mega-deal tops Shohei Ohtani's $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers. Talk about setting records! Mets owner Steve Cohen is no stranger to big moves. He played his cards close but hinted at his determination. “It's either yes or no, ” he said. Well, the answer is yes, and it's a big one. This deal has sent shockwaves through the MLB, especially with the New York Yankees, their crosstown rivals. Steve's last-minute move The Yankees seemed to have Soto in the bag. Their owner, Hal Steinbrenner, and General Manager Brian Cashman were all in. But things changed quickly. Andy Martino of SNY reported that during a dinner, the Yankees thought Soto was theirs, but by the end of the meal, things changed. Why? Steve Cohen stepped in. The Mets offered more than the Yankees, who were willing to go up to $760 million for 16 years. Cohen, however, offered $765 million for 15 years, plus a $75 million signing bonus. That's how he secured the deal. Cohen even hosted a grand meeting at his Beverly Hills mansion. He treated Soto and his crew to a Latin-inspired dinner and presented a custom film showcasing Soto’s future with the Mets. This wasn't a typical meeting; it was a cinematic experience. Cohen’s efforts really sealed the deal. Why Soto chose the Mets Deesha Thosar of FOX Sports noted that Soto’s decision wasn’t just about the money. He wanted to feel like ‘the guy’. Cohen’s hands-on approach might have made all the difference. He’s not just an owner; he’s involved with the team on a personal level. This is something Soto valued highly. On the other hand, Hal Steinbrenner isn’t known for being hands-on. Thosar mentioned that a former Yankee player only spoke to him once or twice during eight seasons. Soto even asked Steinbrenner why he didn’t connect more during the season. Steinbrenner’s response didn’t seem to sit well with Soto. This is a big loss for the Yankees, especially since it’s their neighboring team that snatched Soto.