Juan Soto’s blockbuster signing with the New York Mets sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, not only because of the record-shattering $765 million, 15-year contract but also due to a bold statement he made during his introductory press conference. Calling New York a “Mets town” drew immediate ire from passionate Yankees fan and sports broadcaster Rich Eisen, who couldn’t let the comment slide.
Juan Soto dealt a fiery response
During a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen expressed disbelief over Soto’s assertion. “This one got me,” he said. “It’s the last paragraph of the ESPN story where I’m reading about what yesterday was about. Juan Soto ‘It’s been a Mets town for a long time’. What is he talking about? Juan, I’ve been around New York City for 55 years. He’s been around for the proverbial New York minute. Dude, get out of here. Get out of here with that noise.”
Eisen continued his rant with cutting comparisons. “It is just like here in Los Angeles. Clipper town? Get out of here. It’s a Mets town? Yeah, in your head. He just lived the Yankee life for a year.”
The broadcaster’s frustration didn’t stop there. He invoked the historical dominance of the Yankees, saying, “Guess what? For 100 years, there have been championships from the Yankees. The Mets have 1969 and 1986. Get out of here… That I will not countenance.”
Soto’s trick to keep Yankees teammates at bay
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The Yankees were reportedly in the mix for Soto but fell short with a $760 million, 16-year offer. His move across town left some personal ties strained, particularly with Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Soto and Judge hadn’t spoken since the Yankees’ postseason exit. Nightengale reported that the slugger changed his phone number during free agency, complicating communication. In contrast, Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo managed to obtain Soto’s new contact information and even reached out to lobby for the superstar to join the Mets.
Judge, speaking before the Mets deal was announced, admitted he wasn’t involved in the Yankees’ recruitment efforts. “We haven’t spoken since the end of the postseason,” the captain said at the time.
Nightengale’s report also highlighted how Soto’s departure from the Yankees caught some by surprise, despite the franchise’s aggressive offer. It underscored the evolving dynamics of free agency where personal outreach can sometimes tip the scales in negotiations.
A warning for Mets and Juan Soto
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However, the Mets’ offseason work isn’t finished. With holes still to fill, including the search for a front-line starting pitcher and a decision on whether to retain star first baseman Pete Alonso, the spotlight on Soto will only intensify.
An anonymous MLB executive issued a cautionary warning about the immense pressure Soto now faces in Queens. “The Mets better win, or he’s going to be the Aaron Rodgers of Queens,” New York Post’s Jon Heyman cited the executive saying.
The comparison to Rodgers stems from the quarterback’s tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets. After joining the Jets in a high-profile trade, Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear just four plays into his first game, derailing what was expected to be a Super Bowl-contending season. The Jets’ 2024 season only worsened, leading to the firing of their head coach and general manager, with Rodgers’ future in New York now uncertain.
While Soto is unlikely to experience such a sudden decline, the executive’s message was clear: without postseason success, even the biggest contract in sports history won’t shield him from fan and media scrutiny.
With Soto now locked into the biggest deal in professional sports history, the Mets are officially in win-now mode. After making a deep playoff run in 2024, expectations for World Series contention will be even higher.
For Soto, his journey from a one-year Yankee to the face of the Mets will define his legacy. Whether New York eventually embraces Soto’s “Mets town” claim will depend entirely on how quickly and convincingly he delivers postseason success in Queens.
Beyond personal rivalries and historical comparisons, Soto’s success will be measured by how he elevates the Mets franchise. If he leads the team to a championship, perhaps even lifelong Yankees fans like Rich Eisen might have to reconsider their stance — but until then, the debate rages on.
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