Steve Cohen Calls Juan Soto's Mets Contract a 'Seminal Moment' in Franchise History

The New York Mets signed superstar free agent Juan Soto to a massive 15-year, $765 million deal that doesn't include any deferred money, a decision that—for better or perhaps for worse—will define the organization for years to come.

"This is a seminal moment in franchise history," team 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. Congratulations, Juan."

The plucky Mets reached the NL Championship Series this past season in what was expected to be something of a retooling campaign following the disappointments of 2023 and the trades that sent away Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. The eventual champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, ended the run.

But the Mets clearly saw an opportunity to build on that season, adding Soto to pair with Francisco Lindor and the rest of the team's core. Longtime franchise staple Pete Alonso may not stick around in the process, with his own free agency ongoing. But the Mets will gladly take a perennial MVP candidate over a player in Alonso who hasn't posted an OPS above .900 since his rookie campaign.

Soto, meanwhile, has eclipsed the mark in six of his eight seasons, including last year.