The New York Yankees gave it their all to secure superstar outfielder Juan Soto, but in the end, they were outbid in one of the most intense free-agent battles in recent memory. What many expected to be a dramatic showdown between powerhouse teams like the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets has now come to a close. Soto, a five-time Silver Slugger, received an offer he simply couldn’t refuse—a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post and confirmed by multiple sources on Sunday night.
This contract is now the largest in sports history, eclipsing Shohei Ohtani’s previous record of $700 million, set when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.
Despite offering Soto $760 million, the Yankees were unable to match the Mets’ final bid, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s aggressive pursuit ultimately secured Soto, leaving the Yankees and other suitors disappointed. With Soto’s decision made, the free-agent market will now shift quickly, with other major moves on the horizon. One of the biggest storylines is the future of Mets star Pete Alonso, who is also a coveted free agent.
The Yankees were thought to be eyeing former Brewers shortstop Willy Adames if they missed out on Soto, but the San Francisco Giants struck first, locking up Adames with a seven-year, $182 million deal on Saturday.
Given the Mets’ potential financial constraints, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alonso is on the move, and the Yankees, who have a significant void at first base, could be a prime destination for the power-hitting first baseman.
