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Yankees Benefitted From Missing Out on Soto
TL;DR
The New York Yankees missed out on signing Juan Soto, who signed a historic 15-year, $800 million contract with the Mets. This decision is viewed as a potential blessing for the Yankees, allowing them to avoid long-term financial commitments.
Key points
- Juan Soto signed a 15-year contract with the Mets
- Contract worth up to $800 million
- Yankees missed out on signing Soto
- Decision seen as a blessing for Yankees
- Soto entered free agency on December 8, 2024
Mentioned in this story
Juan Soto
New York YankeesNew York Mets
May 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates his RBI double against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The date is Dec. 8, 2024. The World Series ended 39 days ago. Baseball fans were looking at a long offseason ahead. Despite being in the middle of the winter, baseball media outlets were in a frenzy because of one man’s free agency decision — Juan Soto.
After a dream season with the Yankees, Soto entered free agency ready to claim a well-earned payday. He signed a massive 15-year contract of up to 800 million dollars, the largest in American sports history, with the Mets.
Blessing in Disguise
Yankee fans were in an uproar about missing out on Soto. Whether it was calling for general manager Brian Cashman to be fired or begging for new signings, passions ran high. And while in the moment, missing out on the young phenom was a huge mistake, it proved to be one of the better decisions the organization has made in recent memory.
In the year and a half since the blockbuster signing, Soto has held up his end of the bargain with the Mets, putting together a great 2025 campaign. His team missed the playoffs, though, mainly because of the lack of pitching depth on the Mets staff. This was largely due to the small amount of spending money the Mets had after handing Soto an absurd contract.
Plan B Worked
On the flipside, the Yankees have been one of the best teams in baseball over the past year and a half. To fill in the large payroll gap from Soto departing with the organization, Cashman went out and built a versatile roster. He started with World Series-winning pitcher .
Q&A
What contract did Juan Soto sign with the Mets?
Juan Soto signed a 15-year contract worth up to $800 million with the Mets.
Why is missing out on Juan Soto considered beneficial for the Yankees?
Missing out on Soto is seen as beneficial because it allows the Yankees to avoid a massive long-term financial commitment.
When did Juan Soto enter free agency?
Juan Soto entered free agency on December 8, 2024, after a successful season with the Yankees.
How does Soto's contract compare to other sports contracts?
Soto's contract is the largest in American sports history, surpassing previous records.