Mets record-breaking Juan Soto contract includes request for specific uniform number, among others: report
Juan Soto is the richest athlete in sports history.
However, $765 million was apparently not enough for the new New York Met.
Soto and the Mets made their record 15-year contract official on Wednesday.
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New York Yankees' Juan Soto runs the bases after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies Aug. 25, 2024, New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
There were reports earlier this week that the Yankees “wouldn't budge” on giving Soto a pitch at Yankee Stadium, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman appeared to confirm that. But the Mets offered a suite to Soto.
The New York Post says that, along with the suite, Soto will have four prime seats for home games and the safety of himself and his family at home and on the road.
His uniform number was another problem.
Since his MLB debut in 2018, Soto has worn number 22 with the Nationals, Padres and Yankees. He'll do the same with the Mets, and it's part of his contract, the Post notes.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) hugs outfielder Juan Soto (22) during player introductions before Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium. (Photos by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn)
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Brett Baty has worn the number with the Mets since 2022. It is common for stars who join new teams to give a cheap gift to whoever wore the popular number. It is not known whether Soto gives Baty.
In any case, Baty has no choice in the matter.
The Yankees said their 16-year, $760 million offer “is beyond our comfort level.” Cashman also noted that “some of the top players who make a lot of money for us, if they want suites, they buy them.”
But Cashman said the Yankees' reluctance to give Soto a matchup did not cause the team to lose Soto to the Mets.
New York Yankees pitcher Juan Soto (22) reacts after pitching the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the ALDS during the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium in New York Oct. 7, 2024. (Brad Penner/Imagn Photos)
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Soto finished third in the 2024 AL MVP voting. Aaron Judge, Soto's teammate last season with the Yankees, won the 2024 AL MVP.
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