After securing Juan Soto with a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, Mets owner Steve Cohen shared his thoughts on the intense competition between his team and the New York Yankees. Cohen’s remarks came after the highly anticipated Soto sweepstakes came to an end with the Mets outbidding their cross-town rivals. However, Cohen was quick to clarify that his relationship with the Yankees is one of healthy competition, not animosity. He emphasized that this type of rivalry is a natural part of Major League Baseball, and the Mets and Yankees will continue to battle it out both on the field and in player negotiations.
“I don’t play that game. I can promise you, the Yankees will take players from us, and they’ll win their share of battles. That’s what competition is. We compete on the field, and we’re friends off the field,” Cohen said, downplaying any personal satisfaction in securing Soto over the Yankees. His comments reflected a balanced view of the competition between the two New York teams, acknowledging that both sides will continue to have their successes and failures as they vie for top talent.
Cohen’s perspective underscores the business nature of professional sports. While fans often see player signings as a matter of rivalry, team owners like Cohen understand that competition in baseball is a constant. They don’t take it personally when the other side wins a battle or secures a key player. The battle for Soto, in this case, is just one chapter in an ongoing rivalry that has seen both the Mets and Yankees win their fair share of battles over the years.
The Mets’ decision to sign Soto was not only a huge win for the team but also a statement that the Mets were ready to compete at the highest level. The contract, which is the largest in North American sports history, highlighted the Mets’ willingness to push financial boundaries in order to secure one of the best players in the game. Soto, a dynamic slugger and one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball, adds another star to the Mets’ already impressive roster.
The Yankees, however, were not far behind in their pursuit of Soto. The Bronx Bombers had proposed a contract that included an additional year, which brought their average annual value (AAV) to $47.5 million. Soto’s camp, however, was seeking an AAV of $50 million, which the Mets fulfilled in their offer. The Yankees also did not include some of the perks that the Mets offered, including a luxury suite for Soto’s family at Citi Field, which further tipped the scales in the Mets’ favor.
Despite the Yankees being the favorite for much of the process, Soto ultimately chose the Mets. This decision shocked many, especially considering the Yankees’ dominant position in the American League and their strong playoff run. With Aaron Judge and Soto combining for 99 home runs last season, the Yankees were on the brink of another World Series appearance. However, Soto’s desire to play for the Mets ultimately proved decisive, signaling a shift in the balance of power in New York baseball.
Cohen’s excitement at securing Soto was clear during the press conference where he introduced the superstar outfielder. Cohen called Soto “an extraordinary player” and noted that the signing was a major step forward for the Mets as they look to become serious contenders for the World Series. With Soto now in the fold, the Mets’ lineup is more dangerous than ever, with the potential to rival any team in the league.
In the aftermath of Soto’s signing, Cohen reflected on the overall competitive nature of Major League Baseball. While the Mets’ front office was overjoyed by the addition of Soto, Cohen recognized that the Yankees would continue to be a formidable opponent in the years to come. “The Yankees will take players from us,” Cohen said, underscoring the fact that baseball is a game of cycles and that both teams will continue to compete for talent year after year.
Cohen’s perspective is a reminder that in the world of professional sports, business and competition go hand in hand. While fans may get caught up in the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, the owners and executives are focused on building winning teams. Cohen’s remarks about the Yankees taking players from the Mets in the future highlight the reality that every team will face setbacks, but the ultimate goal remains the same: to field a team that can compete for championships.
Looking ahead, both the Mets and Yankees will continue to bolster their rosters, with each team looking for the next big signing or breakthrough player. The rivalry between the two New York teams has reached new heights with the addition of Soto to the Mets’ roster, and the Yankees will no doubt be looking to make their own moves in response. The competition between the two teams will remain fierce, and both sides will be gunning for the top spot in New York and the league.
While the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees will continue to be a major storyline in the coming years, Cohen’s comments serve as a reminder that baseball is ultimately about building a team that can compete for titles. Both teams will continue to focus on assembling rosters that can win championships, with the knowledge that the competition will remain intense.
Cohen also acknowledged that while the Mets may have won this round in the Soto sweepstakes, the Yankees are not to be underestimated. “They’ll win their share of battles,” Cohen said, demonstrating a level of respect for the Yankees and their ability to continue competing at a high level. The MLB offseason is still in full swing, and both teams will undoubtedly continue to make moves to strengthen their rosters as the 2025 season approaches.
In the end, the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees will only grow more intense as both teams continue to aim for the same goal: a World Series championship. With players like Soto on the Mets and the Yankees still a major player in free agency, the future of New York baseball looks as competitive as ever.