NEW YORK — The New York Mets are making a strong statement about Juan Soto’s future with the team, showcasing their commitment in a distinctive way. During a recent visit to team owner Steve Cohen’s residence in Beverly Hills, California, Soto was presented with a video concept featuring a statue of him to be placed outside Citi Field, mirroring the one of legendary pitcher Tom Seaver. Soto expressed his admiration for the efforts the Mets displayed during the presentation, saying, “Everything that they showed me, what they have, what they want to do, it was incredible. But my favorite part was the video.”

On Thursday, Soto was officially introduced at Citi Field after finalizing a groundbreaking contract worth $765 million over 15 years. He was accompanied by Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns, and his agent Scott Boras. The atmosphere was quite secure, with guards in suits standing close by.

Dressed in a dark suit and a black turtleneck, Soto was led into the event by Boras, proudly showing off his gold chain featuring his jersey number, 22. Ultimately, he chose the Mets over several competitors, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Soto’s incredibly lucrative deal comes with additional perks, such as a complimentary luxury suite and four premium tickets for home games, as well as personal security coverage for Soto and his family during all parts of the season. The importance of family in Soto’s life was apparent as he stated, “My family is really important for me. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have been here. It’s one of the biggest things.” These conditions were a request from Boras, who stated that they were included from the start at Cohen’s approval. In contrast, the Yankees dismissed such proposals as unnecessary, with general manager Brian Cashman mentioning that players in high-paying positions typically buy their own suites.

Cohen, who acquired the Mets ahead of the 2021 season, has increased the team’s payroll significantly in his pursuit of their first championship since 1986. He acknowledged his son Josh’s contribution in producing the video and commended his father-in-law for joining the critical meeting with Soto. Unlike other teams who met Soto in hotels, Cohen insisted on hosting their meeting at his house, believing it offered a better and more personal atmosphere.

Soto also had a follow-up meeting with Cohen in Boca Raton, Florida, where he directly asked the owner how many championships he anticipates winning in the next decade. Cohen replied he hoped for two to four victories during that timeframe.

Soto’s contract surpasses the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal with the Dodgers last December and also exceeds Fernando Tatis Jr.’s agreement. Last season, Soto achieved a batting average of .288 alongside impressive stats of 41 home runs and 109 RBIs over the course of the season. Over his seven-season career, he boasts a .285 average and a remarkable home run count of 201.

Boras declined to disclose which team was the runner-up in the bidding process, likening it to not discussing bridesmaids at a wedding. Soto ultimately made his decision while at home with his family, which Boras referred to as the “Soto Supreme Court,” comprising his close relatives.

Soto noted Cohen’s connections with current Mets stars Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz influenced his decision, describing the environment as a supportive family dedicated to winning while caring for their players. Cohen emphasized the role of familial ties in the initial meeting, mentioning that his father-in-law is a regular at every home game, a gesture reflecting the values he holds. Cohen also relished the experience of owning the Mets, stating that conversations about the team tend to come up more often than those about the financial markets at the events he attends.

In the end, Soto understands that his success will be judged by championships, noting the Yankees’ history of dominance with 27 titles compared to the Mets’ two. “Championships is going to tell you if it’s a Yankees or Mets town at the end of the day,” Soto concluded.