New York Mets slugger Juan Soto needed four words to convey his sentiment about his historic signing to Francisco Lindor.
There are endless reasons why Mets fans are over the moon about this signing. Not only is Soto a generational talent that essentially cements New York as having one of the NL’s most dangerous lineups for at least the next decade, but it also provides an opportunity to pair two of the sport’s most spectacular players.
The other player in that equation would be Mets’ superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose 10-year, $341 million contract extension he signed the New York Mets on March 31, 2021 made him the highest-paid player in Mets franchise history — until Soto more than doubled that total a few days ago.
Lindor doesn’t seem like the type of guy to get upset about a teammate out-earning him — which is proven by a December 11 article from Mets MLB.com reporter Anthony DiComo that revealed a post-signing conversation between Soto and Lindor.
“I said, ‘Congratulations, my brother, enjoy,’” Lindor is quoted saying in the article. “‘This is fantastic for you, for your family. Have a moment for yourself, and then let’s get to work.’”
“Exactly. Let’s do it,” Soto replied.
Francisco Lindor texted Juan Soto after the signing:
“Congratulations, my brother, enjoy. This is fantastic for you, for your family. Have a moment for yourself, and then let’s get to work.”
Soto replied: “Exactly. Let’s do it.”
(Via: @AnthonyDiComo) https://t.co/2vi22MQxFU
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) December 11, 2024
Later on in the article, Lindor added, “I did my homework, and all the stuff I heard about [Soto] was fantastic. He’s a hard worker, someone that cares about his craft, someone that cares about his winning, someone that cares about his family, someone that cares about his teammates and somebody that wants to continue to get better. That’s the Mets. It sounds like the Mets. It sounds like the culture I wanted to build, be a part of. I think he’s the right man for the job.
The Mets have quite the formidable 1-2 punch to build their franchise’s future around.
Juan Soto’s historic Mets deal could be worth even more with bonuses
DALLAS — Juan Soto’s arrival to the Mets will be celebrated by the organization with a Thursday afternoon press conference at Citi Field.
The outfielder passed his physical on Wednesday, making official the record 15-year contract worth $765 million to which he agreed over the weekend.
“This is a seminal moment in franchise history,” team owners Steve Cohen and Alex Cohen said in a press release. “Juan Soto is a generational talent. He is not only bringing staggering historical statistics with him, but a championship pedigree.”
Soto’s contract eclipsed the 10-year deal worth $700 million that Shohei Ohtani received from the Dodgers last winter.
Ohtani’s contract was heavily deferred, dramatically lowering the present-day value.
Soto won’t receive deferrals in his deal, but the contract contains an opt-out after the fifth season.
The Mets can void the opt-out by agreeing to raise his base salary from $51 million to $55 million for the final 10 years of the contract.
Soto also received a $75 million signing bonus.
“Today’s signing further solidifies our organizational commitment to consistent championship competitiveness,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said in the release. “Not only does Juan provide historic levels of on field production, but his joy, intensity and passion for the game mirror our budding culture.”
Soto, according to an industry source, will receive a $500,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award.
He will receive a $1 million bonus for each MVP award he wins thereafter.
Mets pitchers Mike Vasil and Nate Lavender were both selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Vasil was selected by the Phillies and then traded to the Rays. Lavender was selected by the Rays.
Vasil was left unprotected by the Mets after struggling to a 6.04 ERA last season in 29 appearances for Triple-A Syracuse.
Lavender, a lefty reliever, underwent Tommy John surgery last May.
Rule 5 selections must remain on their new team’s 26-man roster or injured list — otherwise they are offered back to their previous organization.
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