Juan Soto says Yankees 'did everything in their power' to sign him - ESPN

NEW YORK — Juan Soto's decision to sign with the New York Mets not only bolstered the organization's chances to win World Series titles for years to come. It also doubled as a blow to their crosstown rivals after Soto thrived in his only season with the New York Yankees.

On Thursday, after his introductory news conference at Citi Field, Soto said the Yankees «did everything in their power» to sign him, but he ultimately thought the Mets were a better fit.

«I don't think it was the Mets over the Yankees,» Soto said. «I think it was five teams that [were] right there on the table. I don't think it had anything to do with the Mets over the Yankees. I think we had all five teams pushing until the last moment, until the last time of making the decision. And we went over to the Mets.»

Soto shined in the Bronx, clubbing a career-high 41 home runs, finishing third in American League MVP voting and helping the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009 in his age-25 season. Their final offer — 16 years for $760 million with no deferrals, according to sources — was competitive with the 15-year, $765 million deal he chose to sign with the Mets.

It also would have been the largest contract in professional sports history. But it wasn't enough.

«I had other four teams doing the same thing and trying to make me comfortable,» said Soto, who didn't talk to any of his former Yankees teammates during his time as a free agent. «And at the end of the day, we looked at everything. We looked at the chances, and we looked at what the other teams wanted to do and what everyone wants to do for the next 15 years. And I think we have the best chance over here.»

Mets owner Steve Cohen said Soto made a request for a family suite in his