The MLB offseason was dominated by the saga surrounding superstar Juan Soto.
After being traded from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees in the 2023 offseason, Soto played a pivotal role in helping the Yankees reach the World Series. However, Soto opted to test free agency, sparking a bidding war among several teams
. Ultimately, he signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, setting a new record for the largest deal in professional sports history. The deal also included a $75 million signing bonus, edging out the Yankees’ reported offer of a 16-year, $760 million contract.
As pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was asked about Soto’s massive deal. “It’s large,” Cole remarked, per ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. Cole, who signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees before the 2020 season, knows a thing or two about hefty contracts. However, Soto’s deal surpasses even Shohei Ohtani’s previous record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
The Mets’ acquisition of Soto not only reshapes the NL East but also sets the stage for an intense rivalry with the Yankees. The two teams won’t face each other until May 16, when they meet for a three-game series in the Bronx. Soto’s decision to join the Mets adds another layer of intrigue to an already fierce New York baseball rivalry, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their first showdown of the season.
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