After parting ways with the New York Yankees on December 8, Juan Soto, the generational slugger, made headlines by signing a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. The 26-year-old’s move to the Yankees’ National League crosstown rivals wasn’t just a change of teams; it marked the start of a period where Soto has been vocal about his time with the Yankees, often making critical remarks about the team and its fanbase.
Soto had joined the Yankees following a trade from the San Diego Padres, where he spent two seasons. The Padres sent him, along with his $31 million salary, to New York in exchange for five players. During his single season in the Bronx, Soto made a significant impact, helping the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years. His performance was stellar, boasting a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 7.9, which ranked sixth in all of baseball. Additionally, he hit 41 home runs and recorded an impressive .989 OPS, the third-best in the league that year.
Soto’s remarkable 2024 season was no fluke, as his career numbers solidify his place among baseball’s elite. With a career OPS of .953, he ranks third among active players and 23rd in MLB history. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Soto has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game, and his decision to join the Mets signals a new chapter in his storied career.
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