By Sunday 
The Star Outfielder Prioritized More Than Just Dollars
Juan Soto’s blockbuster 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets made history as the largest contract ever handed to a professional athlete. But in a surprising twist, the star outfielder recently admitted that the Mets weren’t actually the highest bidders.
Turning Down Bigger Offers
During an interview with Abriendo Sports, Soto revealed that other teams put more money on the table.
“The Mets didn’t offer the most money,” he stated, via SNY. “Some teams offered more.”
This revelation adds an interesting layer to Soto’s free agency saga. The Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers were all in the mix, but none of their reported offers surpassed what the Mets officially gave him—at least on paper. The Yankees, for example, allegedly offered 16 years and $760 million, a deal that could technically be considered “more” in overall length but not in average annual value.
More Than Just a Paycheck
Despite the potential for a bigger payday elsewhere, Soto ultimately chose the Mets for reasons beyond money. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, multiple teams, including the Red Sox, were prepared to go even higher if they had felt Soto was open to it. But he wasn’t.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t just about squeezing out a few extra million—it was about stability, comfort, and family. Soto valued the Mets’ environment and didn’t want to uproot his loved ones just to chase a marginally bigger contract.
The Mets Got Their Superstar
Whatever the reasoning, the Mets landed one of the best hitters in baseball, securing a franchise-altering talent for the next decade and a half. While some may wonder what the absolute highest offer could have been, Soto’s decision proves that sometimes, the biggest contract isn’t just about the biggest number.