The Mets' first offer was less than $500 million, breaking through the crisis of elimination in the 1R of the Soto scramble and turning into a historical contract

Feb 04, 2025

The Mets' first offer was less than 500 million, breaking through the crisis of elimination in the 1R of the Soto scramble and turning into a historical contract
Juan Soto poses in the background of City Field, the home stadium of the New York Mets, on December 13 (Korea Standard Time) last year. AP Yonhap News



The Mets' first offer was less than 500 million, breaking through the crisis of elimination in the 1R of the Soto scramble and turning into a historical contract
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen expresses his feelings about recruiting Juan Soto. EPA Yonhap News
A total of five contracts worth more than $100 million have been signed so far in the FA market this offseason. It is the same as last year's five cases, but it has decreased significantly compared to 2023 (9 cases) and 2022 (11 cases).

However, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, who are still under contract, are likely to increase to a total of seven cases as more than $100 million is an easy big shot. Regardless of the contract between the two players, Juan Soto was by far the biggest topic in the FA market. He wore a New York Mets uniform for 15 years and $765 million, the largest single contract in global sports history. Dipper doesn't have a penny, he has a large luxury clause.

The Mets have stirred up the FA market, starting with Soto. Sean Munnaia ($75 million for three years), Clay Holmes ($38 million for three years), Frankie Montas ($34 million for two years), AJ Minter ($22 million for two years), Jesse Winker ($7.5 million for one year) and Ryan Stanek ($4.5 million for one year) have all signed contracts in need of reinforcement.




It can be said that the starting point was Soto. However, the Mets did not take the lead from the beginning in the 'Soto scramble'. It is noteworthy that it was reported that the team came from behind to win by raising the pitch at the last minute after offering the lowest level of conditions among competing clubs.

John Hayman, a prominent New York Post columnist, recently introduced how the Mets held Soto in his arms in an article titled `The Mets' dramatic come-from-behind victory in the Juan Soto negotiation war will set an example for Pete Alonso.'

The Mets' first offer was less than 500 million, breaking through the crisis of elimination in the 1R of the Soto scramble and turning into a historical contract
From left, Metz General Manager David Stearns, Juan Soto and Agent Scott Boras. EPA Yonhap News
Heyman says 'The Mets needed the best come-from-behind victory to achieve the biggest contract in history. They ended up guaranteeing superstar Soto 15 years and $765 million, 'Will they make a come-from-behind victory to re-sign Pete Alonso, another absolutely beloved polar bear of Mets fans? Owner Steve Cohen said Soto negotiations were difficult, but Alonso negotiations were more difficult.




In other words, the Mets, who are seeking to renew their contract with Aloso, are more sincere than Soto. Four teams are competing for Alonso.

According to Heyman, the Soto negotiation process was like this.

The battle for Soto was played over three rounds. The Mets were almost eliminated in the first round. The Mets' first offer to Soto was a 12-year contract with an annual average annual salary of $41 million. The total amount is $492 million. He was last among the five competing big market clubs. At the time, rival clubs said they thought the Mets would give up as they were.




However, the Mets did not collapse. The Mets advanced to the second round in line with the $650 million level, up 50% from the first offer. Owner Cohen is said to have intended to significantly increase his offer, believing that he will eventually go to the final stage with the New York Yankees.

The Mets' first offer was less than 500 million, breaking through the crisis of elimination in the 1R of the Soto scramble and turning into a historical contract
Soto is wearing a Mets jersey as owner Steve Cohen looks on. AFP Yonhap News
In the third round, which was narrowed down to the Mets, Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays, the Mets offered $720 million for 15 years, but raised the condition to $765 million after hearing that the Yankees and Toronto would sing $760 million for 16 years. In addition, the right to opt out was granted five years later, and at the same time, if the average annual salary for the next 10 years was raised to $55 million, the right would be extinguished. In other words, the 15-year total could increase to $805 million. The Sinning Bonus includes $75 million and total trade veto. It is also 'full cash guarantee' without deferred payment.

In particular, the Mets won Soto's heart by greatly expanding the provisions on family in the third round of negotiations.

According to the New York Daily News at the time, the Mets promised to provide not only Cityfield suites but also 22 'Delta Club' seats, and decided to provide security services to the family. In addition, the media reported that 'It is not exactly confirmed, but the provision of services for families stipulated in the contract includes the use of chartered flights during away games and clothing expenses for mothers'

This means that the Mets have given Soto almost every convenience for his family if he plays.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.