The Mets unveiled a video featuring a statue of Juan Soto outside Citi Field to entice the star outfielder to join the team.
New York: The New York Mets are pulling out all the stops to get Juan Soto on their team. They even made a video showing what a statue of him would look like outside Citi Field, right next to the legendary Tom Seaver’s statue.
When Soto visited Mets owner Steve Cohen in Beverly Hills, he was blown away by the presentation. He said the video was his favorite part, and it really made an impression on him.
After signing a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract, Soto was introduced at Citi Field. He was surrounded by Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns, and his agent Scott Boras. It was quite the scene!
Soto, dressed sharply in a dark suit and gold chain, chose the Mets over other big teams like the Yankees and Dodgers. His contract even comes with perks like a luxury suite and personal security for his family during games.
He mentioned how important his family is to him, saying he wouldn’t be where he is without their support. Cohen was happy to accommodate Boras’s requests for those extra benefits.
Interestingly, the Yankees, who also wanted Soto, didn’t offer anything like that. Their general manager said players can buy their own suites if they want them.
Cohen, who bought the Mets in 2021, is determined to win a championship. He’s been investing heavily in the team, aiming for their first title since 1986. He even thanked his family for helping with the video presentation.
While other teams met Soto at a hotel, Cohen wanted a more personal touch and invited him to his home. He believes the atmosphere is better at home, and who can argue with that?
During their talks, Soto asked Cohen how many championships he expects in the next decade. Cohen said he hopes for two to four, which is a pretty ambitious goal!
Soto’s contract is now the biggest in baseball history, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s deal. He had an impressive season, batting .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs.
When it came time to decide, Soto did it with his family by his side. Boras humorously referred to them as the “Soto Supreme Court,” highlighting how important family is in his decision-making process.
Soto also noted that Cohen’s relationships with other Mets players played a role in his choice. He felt a sense of family and commitment from the team, which he really appreciated.
Cohen made sure to include his family in the initial meeting to show how much baseball means to them. He loves being the owner of the Mets and enjoys talking about the team more than his financial business.
Ultimately, Soto knows that championships will define his legacy in New York. He pointed out that it’s all about winning, and that will determine if it’s a Yankees or Mets town.