DALLAS — Juan Soto has officially changed boroughs. The star outfielder has gone from the Bronx to Queens with the Mets making his historic 15-year, $765 million contract official Wednesday night after passing his physical.
“This is a seminal moment in franchise history,” owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “Juan Soto is a generational talent. He is not only bringing staggering historical statistics with him but also a championship pedigree. Our Amazin’ fan base is very excited to welcome Juan to Queens.”
The Cohens also offered congratulations to the four-time All-Star, who will be introduced at Citi Field on Thursday afternoon. The press conference will be broadcast on SNY and his jersey will be available for purchase at the team store.
The contract brings the 26-year-old through the 2039 season. By then, he’ll be 40, but he’ll have a chance to opt out after 2029 to retry free agency at age 31. It’s a modified option which can be voided if the Mets add an extra $4 million per year to the $51 million AAV from 2030-2039.
President of baseball operations David Stearns was not able to address the acquisition during Winter Meetings, but in convincing Soto to sign with the Mets instead of returning to the Yankees, it shows that he’s no small-market executive.
“We’ve had the ability, because of where our financial flexibility was at the start of this off season, to be a little bit more aggressive in certain spaces,” Stearns said Wednesday before departing the Winter Meetings in Dallas. “It’s a great opportunity for someone in my position when you can look at the free agent landscape and have the ability to really negotiate and recruit at all levels of that landscape. That’s something that, if you’re sitting in my seat, you really enjoy.”
Cohen has made it clear he wants to win now and in the future.
“Today’s signing further solidifies our organizational commitment to consistent championship competitiveness,” Stearns said in a statement. “Not only does Juan provide historic levels of on field production, but his joy, intensity, and passion for the game mirror our budding culture. We are thrilled to add him to our team and look forward to watching his excellence for years to come.”
In seven seasons with the Yankees, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals, Soto has slashed .285/.421/.532 with 655 runs, 179 doubles, 15 triples, 201 home runs, 592 RBI and 57 stolen bases. A perennial MVP candidate, the Dominican owns and a 36.4 career bWAR in 936 games.
