Juan Soto Shares What It Was Like to Sign a $765 Million Contract With the Mets

New York Mets Dominican superstar Juan Soto attends a press conference with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns in New York on Dec. 12, 2024. David Dee Delgado/AFP via Getty Images

Fresh off of signing the largest professional sports contract in history, the New York Mets’ new outfielder Juan Soto saw the factors in his decision as relatively everyday considerations for a pro athlete.

After a one-year stint with the Yankees, Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets on Thursday.

Landing MLB’s most-prized free agent this year took more than big money.

“It was exciting. Definitely a lot of back and forth,” Soto told SNY after the introductory press conference. “But when we sit down with my family … and start thinking and looking and seeing all the papers, I think we make the best decision.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about the decisions we make as a family. We really sit down and put everything together and see what is going to be … our best spot.”

“Besides the money, it’s … the feel … and a place that we can be comfortable, we’re going to be happy … and we’re going to have a really good time.”

Soto, who was joined by his parents and siblings at the press conference, expressed that the Mets organization made his family feel welcome in the free agency process. In addition, Soto considers the Mets his new baseball family—one with a clear vision for future success.

“What they’ve been showing me, what they want to do is [make] this team a dynasty and win for a long time,” Soto told reporters. “So I think, ‘Why not?’”

The Mets are positioned to make a run after an 89-win season and an NLCS appearance. New York has talent across the board, including one leadoff hitter and shortstop Francisco Lindor.

“My impression of the lineup is really nice,” Soto told reporters. “We have one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball.”

Still, vision, talent, and a big payday didn’t make it an easy decision for Soto to move from The Bronx to Queens. He said the free agency process carried some stress.

“Even if you’re enjoying it, you’re going to have a little bit of stress because you’re talking about 15 years,” Soto told SNY. “It’s a long time. When we went back and forth, we have our stress times, our happy times, … our sad times. It’s all part of it.”

Now, Soto wants to be part of a consistent contender in Queens and help bring home the franchise’s first World Series title since 1986. And finally, he expressed the importance of owner Steve Cohen’s vision and drive to make the Mets a perennial MLB power.

“I think it’s one of the things that changed my mind about the Mets … and what they’re doing and what they’ve been having,” Soto said. “And we want to try … to bring … as many championships that we can throughout these 15 years.”