Juan Soto answers signing with Mets over Yankees was a โfamily decision.โ The MLB star opens up about his record-breaking deal, Yankees fans, and whatโs next in New York.
When Juan Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the baseball world stood still. The number shattered records, eclipsing even Shohei Ohtaniโs massive deal with the Dodgers. But beyond the headlines and dollar signs, Soto insists this wasnโt just a business moveโit was a family decision.
Now preparing for his first season as a Met, the 26-year-old slugger opened up in an interview with NBCโs โTODAY,โ offering insight into why he chose to leave the Yankees, what made the Mets the right fit, and how he plans to handle the weight of expectations that comes with being the highest-paid player in MLB history.
Juan Soto Says Signing with Mets Was About More Than Money
Sotoโs move from the Bronx to Queens didnโt happen without emotion.
In his one season with the Yankees, Soto gave fans plenty to cheer forโ41 home runs, a career-high, and countless clutch performances that helped drive the team all the way to the World Series. Even though they fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was clear Soto had become a fan favorite in a short amount of time.
โI canโt complain about Yankee fans,โ Soto said. โThey were amazing, day in, day out, the whole season last year.โ
He also took time to express gratitude to the Dominican community in New York.
โThey were showing off, and I was really happy for that,โ he added.
But even with the love from fans and an offer on the table, Soto said it came down to a collective choice made with those closest to him.
โThey tried the hardest they can,โ Soto explained about the Yankeesโ front office. โBut things happen. You gotta go through a lotta things. Itโs a whole group, family decision that we made. And I think that was the best one.โ
Signing with Mets Feels Like a Perfect Fit
So why the Mets?
It wasnโt just about topping salary charts. According to Soto, it was about finding the right organization at the right time.
With the Mets making significant moves and coming off a strong playoff run, the decision wasnโt just emotionalโit was strategic. The Mets had tied for second in their division last year and made it to the National League Championship Series, falling to the Dodgers in six games.
โTheyโre really close to go back to the top,โ Soto said. โWe have what we need to be up there.โ
Itโs clear Soto sees himself as the final piece in a Mets puzzle that has been assembling for years under owner Steve Cohen and GM David Stearns.
โPlayers like Juan rarely become available at this point in their careers,โ Stearns said in January. โHeโs a generational ballplayer.โ
Juan Sotoโs Record-Breaking Deal and the Expectations That Follow
Sotoโs contract includes a clause that could eventually push the total past $800 million, according to ESPN. But with that kind of investment comes expectationsโsomething Soto is already aware of.
Juan Soto answers, โI understand the size of the deal brings a lot of pressure,โ he admitted. โBut the Mets gave me this deal for who I am. So Iโm gonna keep being who I am.โ
Soto emphasized that he wonโt try to do too much or change his approach just because the spotlight is brighter.
Juan Soto answers, โIโm not gonna try to put a building on my back. I just gotta keep doing what Iโve been doing since day one.โ
That calm confidence is part of what makes him such a forceโnot just on the field, but in the clubhouse.
Juan Sotoโs Mets Contract Is a Statement by the Franchise
For the Mets, bringing in Juan Soto wasnโt just about numbers. It was a statement move, one that says loud and clear: This team wants to win now.
Owner Steve Cohen said it best when he referred to Soto as โa generational talent.โ The Mets knew they had an opportunity to build a contenderโand signing Soto was the boldest move yet in their ongoing transformation.
The franchise has been in pursuit of a championship since 1986, and while last seasonโs run brought hope, the addition of Soto instantly elevates expectations.
โWeโre not just aiming to compete,โ Cohen said. โWeโre building a team that can dominate.โ
Juan Sotoโs Path: From Rising Star to MLB Icon
Itโs easy to forget that Juan Soto is only 26 years old. In just seven MLB seasons, heโs already:
- Played in two World Series
- Made four All-Star teams
- Won a batting title
- Become the face of two iconic franchises
Now heโs preparing to lead a third. But what makes Soto so special isnโt just his statsโitโs his maturity, consistency, and love for the game.
Fans often compare him to legends like Ken Griffey Jr. or Barry Bonds, but Soto isnโt chasing comparisons. Heโs just focused on being the best version of himself, day in and day out.
Juan Soto and the Mets: What Comes Next?
Spring Training is already buzzing with excitement around the Mets. The clubhouse has new energy, the fanbase is energized, and media coverage has spiked since the Soto signing.
But baseball is a long season, and as Soto said, heโs not a magician.
โIโm not gonna tell you what is gonna happen this year,โ he said with a smile. โBut weโre gonna be up there.โ
Thatโs not just hopeful thinkingโitโs a clear goal. The Mets are building toward a championship, and Soto is expected to be the centerpiece.
From the top of the order to the outfield to the leadership in the locker room, Soto is ready to deliver. And now, heโs got 15 years to do it.
The Family Behind the Decision
Throughout the interview, Juan Soto answers to one core idea: family first. His decision to join the Mets was not just about numbers or headlinesโit was about support, trust, and doing what felt right for the people who matter most to him.
Fans often forget that superstar athletes are human too. Behind the big moments and blockbuster contracts are families navigating life in the spotlight.
โI sat with my people. We talked through everything,โ Soto said. โAnd we just believed this was the best moveโfor baseball, for life, for the future.โ
That kind of thinking reflects a player whoโs grounded, thoughtful, and looking at the big picture.
A City Divided but Still in Awe
In a city where Yankees vs. Mets divides households and friendships, Sotoโs move has added another layer to the rivalry.
Some Yankees fans are heartbroken, while Mets fans are ecstatic. But one thing is for sureโNew York hasnโt stopped talking about Juan Soto.
Even Soto acknowledged the split loyalties. But he also expressed gratitude for what the Yankees gave him, even if it was short-lived.
โI appreciate everything. The fans, the energy, the support,โ he said. โBut now itโs time to start a new chapter.โ
Juan Soto Says Signing with Mets Over Yankees Was a โFamily Decisionโ
Juan Sotoโs move to the Mets is bigger than just baseball. Itโs about loyalty, long-term goals, and a sense of belonging.
While the numbers in his contract are staggering, itโs clear that his decision came from the heart. With his family by his side and a team built to compete, Soto is ready to chase another championshipโthis time in Queens.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Citi Field. Not just to see how far the Mets can go, but to witness what could be the most impactful stretch of Juan Sotoโs already legendary career.
