Juan Soto’s mega-deal with the Mets was supposed to be a new era—not a second-guessing saga. But as May winds down, and both New York teams jockey for division supremacy, the question lingers like a hanging curveball: Does Juan Soto regret leaving the Yankees?
The Deal That Was—and Then Wasn’t
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees were convinced Soto was ready to stay in the Bronx as of Dec. 11. Talks were seemingly at the finish line. Soto reportedly asked for a few hours to consult his family over lunch. When the Yankees checked back in, he was… a Met.
The turning point? His family, specifically his mother’s, reported fondness for Mets co-owners Steve and Alex Cohen. The result: a historic 15-year, $765 million deal that includes a $75 million signing bonus, an opt-out after five years, and no deferred money—a package that even the Yankees, with all their might and money, didn’t match.
Hal Steinbrenner’s final offer, which was $760 million over 16 years, was reportedly declined in part because he wouldn’t provide a family suite at Yankee Stadium—something the Mets were more than happy to include. It was a small gesture with massive ramifications.
Early Returns: A Muted Beginning in Queens
Soto’s numbers aren’t bad on paper—but they aren’t Juan Soto either. In 52 games, he’s slashing .236/.363/.414 with 8 home runs and 24 RBIs. That’s good for a .777 OPS, a shade below the expectation baked into a deal that could exceed $800 million.
Even more telling is the vibe inside the Mets’ front office. Reports suggest that some within the “Mets’ hierarchy” are concerned about Soto’s lack of enthusiasm. While he hasn’t said he’s unhappy, he’s also admitted that “the Yankees were No. 1…but we couldn’t get it done.”
You don’t say that if everything’s going perfectly.
Two New York Stories, One Lingering “What If”
The Yankees responded to Soto’s exit with a furious offseason reload, adding Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt—moves that currently have them leading the AL East at 32-20.
The Mets aren’t far behind, sitting at 32-21, but they’re still trailing the red-hot Phillies in the NL East. And while Soto is their marquee star, he hasn’t yet delivered the transcendent impact his paycheck demands.
The underlying reality? It’s hard not to wonder what Soto might look like now batting in front of Aaron Judge, protected by Goldschmidt, and under the lights he already proved he could shine in. Instead, he’s in Flushing, where expectations are just as high—but the fit still feels off.
The Verdict on Soto?
Soto’s not saying he regrets his decision. Yet. But the signs—the tepid production, the clubhouse murmurs, the nostalgic quotes—suggest this story is far from settled. A few more months of underperformance or postseason disappointment in Queens and that 15-year commitment could start to feel a whole lot heavier.
For now, it’s not a breakup. But for Juan Soto and the Yankees, it’s starting to feel like unfinished business.
