PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Juan Soto received his coveted No. 22 jersey with the New York Mets following his astonishing $765 million contract during the offseason. Meanwhile, Brett Baty, who had sported that number for the past three years, was surprised with a brand-new SUV during spring training.
The Mets shared a video showing Soto next to a sleek black Chevrolet Tahoe before handing the keys over to Baty, the 25-year-old third baseman who played 169 games wearing No. 22 for the team. After the signing of Soto, Baty transitioned to No. 7.
With a broad smile, Baty exclaimed, “No, you didn’t,” as he stepped outside at the team’s spring training facility to find Soto next to the Tahoe, which had the words “Thanks for #22” written on its back window.
A former first-round pick in the 2019 draft, Baty had been driving his old 2016 Toyota 4Runner since his high school days.
“I really value the number,” Soto expressed to Baty. “It’s the first one I ever wore.” Soto, who signed a 15-year deal with the Mets in December, has carried the No. 22 throughout his professional career, representing it with the Washington Nationals (2018-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23), and, briefly, the New York Yankees last season.
When asked earlier in the week about any significant purchases he’d made since signing his contract, Soto flashed a grin at the reporters, saying, “You’re going to see it.” He disclosed he spent $92,000 on the SUV.
The vehicle was topped with a large red bow, and Soto informed Baty that he wanted to gift him something memorable.
“Bro, this is crazy,” Baty exclaimed as he climbed into the Tahoe and turned the engine on. “Thank you, you’re the man.”
Soto replied, “Let’s have a magnificent year. Let’s do it.”
In another act of generosity, Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil was gifted a new Ford Bronco Sport after the 2023 season, a thoughtful gesture from shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor had promised McNeil in May 2022 that he would present him with a new car if he won the National League batting title. McNeil ultimately led the league with a .326 average that season, though he had to wait another year to receive his new ride.
