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Juan Soto could've stayed in the Bronx. He could've kept wearing the pinstripes, soaking in chants from the Bleacher Creatures, and chasing another World Series with a loaded Yankees roster. But this offseason, the 26-year-old superstar made a different kind of splash-by ing their crosstown rivals in Queens.
The Mets didn't just win the bidding war-they made history, handing Soto a 15-year, $765 million deal that shattered MLB contract records. But for fans on both sides of the city divide, there was still one big question hanging in the air:
Why leave now-especially after helping the Yankees get to the World Series?
We finally got the answer this week, straight from Soto himself. In a sit-down with NBC's Today, Soto explained what led to the stunning move. And yes, while the contract made headlines, it wasn't the only factor.
"They tried the hardest they can but things happen,"Soto said. "It's a whole group, family decision that we made. And I think that was the best one."
It wasn't just the money-It was a 'family decision'
Fans often focus on dollar signs, but for Soto, the Mets offer was more than a financial milestone. He described the process as deeply personal-one involving conversations with his family and weighing what felt right for their future.
That insight adds some emotional depth to a decision many assumed was purely business. And while Yankees fans may not love it, Soto made sure to show them love on the way out.
"I can't complain about Yankee fans. They were amazing, day in, day out," Soto said."And I really appreciate not only Yankees fans but the Dominican community. They were showing off and I was really happy for that."
Soto's comments echo what ESPN's Buster Olney noted earlier this offseason: that behind every record-breaking deal is often a quieter, more personal story that rarely makes headlines.
In Queens, he s a Mets team that's clearly all-in-and a fanbase that's already rolling out the blue-and-orange carpet.
Whether it pays off in championships remains to be seen. But for Soto, the decision already feels like a win-for himself and for the people closest to him.