Besides $765 Million, Here’s How the Mets Lured Juan Soto to Queens
DALLAS — Beyond a record-breaking contract, how did the Mets convince Juan Soto to join their team?
On Sunday, Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, which could grow to $805 million if the team voids his Year 5 opt-out clause. The Yankees, their closest competitor, reportedly offered him $760 million over 16 years—just $5 million less.
Still, what else swayed Soto to leave the Yankees, the most storied franchise in American sports? After all, alongside Aaron Judge, the two-time AL MVP, Soto had reached the World Series last season. Could he have seen the Yankees’ loss to the Dodgers in the Fall Classic as their peak? And would taking a $20 million pay raise limit the Yankees’ ability to build a stronger roster to surpass the Dodgers?
With the Mets, Soto likely saw opportunity. Despite losing to the Dodgers in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series, the Mets outperformed expectations. Adding Soto marks a decisive step in their roster improvement, and their payroll flexibility is greater than the Yankees’.
Even with Soto’s massive deal, the Mets remain over $85 million below last season’s payroll of $336 million, according to FanGraphs. Their current payroll is roughly $251 million, giving them room to make more impactful moves.
So, how could the Mets make themselves true contenders against the Dodgers? Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns likely pitched Soto a plan involving three key roster upgrades:
1. Strengthen the Corner Infield
The Mets could either re-sign Pete Alonso or pursue Alex Bregman. Alonso, expected to command $130 million over five years, would be the cheaper option. However, keeping Alonso would mean Mark Vientos remains at third base, weakening the infield defensively.
Last season, Vientos had the highest fielding percentage (.980) among third basemen (minimum 850 innings), but his advanced metrics were poor. His -6 defensive runs saved ranked near the bottom, and his -6 outs above average was the worst among third basemen.
Signing Bregman, who is projected to land a seven-year, $189 million deal, would improve the defense at third base and allow Vientos to transition to first base.
2. Add a Top-Tier Starter
The Mets have two pitching options: re-sign left-hander Sean Manaea or take a chance on Walker Buehler.
Manaea is a proven clubhouse leader and ace-caliber pitcher but would cost more, with projections around $80 million for four years.
Buehler, a two-time World Series winner, is looking for a rebound after posting a 5.38 ERA last season. He’d likely command a short-term deal, similar to what Manaea received last offseason—around two years and $32 million.
3. Bolster the Bullpen
To avoid last season’s mid-season bullpen rebuild, the Mets could strengthen early by signing right-hander Jeff Hoffman as a setup man for closer Edwin Díaz.
Over the last two seasons with the Phillies, Hoffman has emerged as a top-tier reliever, posting a 2.28 ERA with 158 strikeouts in 118 2/3 innings. This is a stark improvement from his prior seven seasons, where he averaged a 5.68 ERA. Hoffman is projected to command a three-year, $36 million deal.
These moves could help the Mets transform their roster into a true championship contender while maximizing Soto’s impact in Queens.