“A seminal moment in franchise history,” NY Mets owner Alex and Steve Cohen ‘excited’ to welcome Juan Soto after COLOSSAL $765 million deal

Juan Soto landed the biggest deal in the history of professional sports when he agreed to join the NY Mets on a 15-year $765 million deal.

“A seminal moment in franchise history,” NY Mets owner Alex and Steve Cohen ‘excited’ to welcome Juan Soto after COLOSSAL $765 million deal

In bubble: Alex Cohen, Steve Cohen; In background: Juan Soto (Image via NY Post/Larry Brown Sports)

The Juan Soto free agency saga ended this past Sunday with the New York Mets emerging as the winners. The team landed the four-time All-Star on a colossal $765 million deal. Owners Alex and Steve Cohen have commented on this and called this a seminal moment in franchise history.

Soto became a free agent in the offseason after he rejected the qualifying offer from the New York Yankees. The Dominican international attracted interest from several teams in the free agency, but the battle for him ultimately came down between the two New York franchises.

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Soto picked the Mets’ offer of 15-year $765 million instead of the Yankees’ 16-year $760 million. On Wednesday, the 26-year-old passed the physical examination and officially became a Met.

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In a statement released by the team, owners Alex and Steve Cohen labeled Soto as a “generational talent” and were excited to welcome him to the Queens.

This is a seminal moment in franchise history. Juan Soto is a generational talent. He is not only bringing staggering historical statistics with him but also a championship pedigree. Our Amazin’ fan base is very excited to welcome Juan to Queens. Congratulations, Juan.

Steve and Alex Cohen said as per MLB.com

The Yankees have historically been the dominant force compared to the Mets. After Steve Cohen purchased the team in 2020, expectations were high regarding him to deliver such players and go toe-to-toe against their cross-town rivals.

As per reports from SNY insider Andy Martino, the Yankees were in the driving seat to land Soto on Sunday afternoon. However, after a late meeting of Cohen with Soto, the pendulum swung in favor of the National League side.

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Stephen A. Smith, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge

The signing of Soto has boosted the offense of the Mets while leaving the Yankees depleted. The Bronx Bombers are now reported to be working on Plan B and looking at available free agents to fill out the void left by Soto’s exit.

Yankees’ coach Aaron Boone comments on losing Juan Soto to rivals Mets

After losing out on Juan Soto to rivals, the New York Mets, many were eager to hear the perspective of the New York Yankees. Around 48 hours after the news broke out, Yankees’ coach Aaron Boone broke his silence regarding this and commented on Soto’s departure.

Aaron Boone and Juan Soto
Aaron Boone (L) and Juan Soto (R) [Image via Imago]

Speaking at the Winter Meeting in Dallas, the 51-year-old claimed that the front office did everything to get him back. Boone later admitted to being a ‘little hurt” at the moment but waved off the emotions later.

Obviously, we wanted the player (Juan Soto) back. Ownership and the front office did everything we could to make it happen, but it just didn’t… It hurts a little in the moment but when you live in the business and you live in the sport, again; it is sports. It doesn’t always go your way.

Aaron Boone told the reporters at Winter Meeting

Since the deal of Soto with the Mets, the Yankees have responded with a big money move. The team landed ace pitcher Max Fried on an 8-year $218 million deal, the largest for a left-handed pitcher.

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As for the offense, the Yankees are reported to be drawing interest in Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker. Recently, Houston Astros General Manager Dana Brown admitted that the team was open to trade their players, including Tucker. As per insider Jack Curry, the Yankees will “try very hard” to get Tucker.