Juan Soto made headlines on Sunday night by signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets—the largest contract in professional sports history.
Reports have shed light on the behind-the-scenes details of the negotiation process, and despite the New York Yankees reportedly coming close to matching Soto’s financial demands, there was reportedly an issue that soured his feelings about his time with the team.
According to Jon Heyman, speaking live from the Winter Meetings, a Yankees security guard was responsible for a series of incidents that left Soto and his camp with a bad taste. Heyman reported that during the season, the guard ejected Soto’s mother or father from the stadium early in the year.
This was followed by the same security guard removing Soto’s driver and chef, forcing them to wait outside in the rain. These incidents reportedly contributed to the strained relationship and may have played a role in Soto ultimately choosing to join the Mets over the Yankees.
If this report is accurate, it provides a clear explanation for why Juan Soto ultimately chose to sign with the Mets instead of the Yankees. When securing the largest contract in sports history, it’s understandable that Soto would expect his family and entourage to be treated with care and respect.
The incidents involving the Yankees’ security guard—removing Soto’s family, driver, and chef from the stadium and forcing them to wait outside in the rain—likely contributed to his decision, especially if the Yankees couldn’t guarantee the same level of support while matching the financial offer from the Mets.
Mets owner Steve Cohen had made it clear months ago that he was ready to back up his financial commitment with a “blank check,” and that promise came through as Soto’s deal was finalized after weeks of speculation.
It will be fascinating to learn more about the specifics of these negotiations and how the combination of financial security and personal considerations ultimately swayed Soto’s choice.
