BY MARK HALPERN
The title may be misleading a little. For one the New York Mets have a problem that does not need solving. As proving again time and time before Juan Soto has been consistent in 90% of all his attributes. Whether it has been hitting, fielding Juan Soto has lived up to the name “The Most Dangerous Man in Baseball.”
Soto has been up against critics and team pressure not once, not twice but every team he has played for. When he was traded to the New York Yankees, he was brought in because of the respect he commands in the field. Let’s face it Yankee Stadium plays more friendly than Citi Field does (especially for left handed hitters). The Yankees were fleeced of their farm system to acquire Soto only to see him leave a year later. What happened you may ask? He played to every point he was expected but, “THE TEAM FAILED” not just Soto but the Yankees saw that as the $65 Million Dollar Answer. Juan Soto at the end of another good season didn’t get offered the maximum he though he was worth and saw him move across town to the Rival Mets for a difference of $65 Million.
It was clear Soto wanted to stay in New York. He liked the rush of the big time, he was not just a fan favorite but, also began taking away the spotlight of the $400 Million Dollar man Aaron Judge. Also did the Yankees necessarily have the money to sign Soto?
The question became is how did the Mets steal him? Steve Cohen used the all-mighty dollar and gave his family a Suite forever, this is what the Yankees gave up. Every team would love to have a problem of Juan Soto and the fact he could play for any team at any time and still thrive.
Shohei Ohtani set the record for a contract just a year before at 700 million dollars (even though the bulk is deferred money and he makes 2.1 Million). The difference between the two is Ohtani can pitch, that has been made clear. He is even returning to the mound today for his second time this season as he looks to build up strength. Ohtani is considered the face of baseball and the Dodgers when we look at it now under paid.
The problem that Soto has brought to Queens isn’t anything to do with money. Players are now going to want to come play in Citi (again not a problem), more advertisers and bigger media contracts isn’t the issue. The problem he brings is that Cohen can’t sign everyone to playing queens. Cohen is making sure his investment will bring is not only revenue but, more fans to the venue area and a desire to want to come to New York and view the team but, what is the draw you may ask? How about the multi-billion dollar complex he is designing to be built with hotels looking in on stadium (which has become a trend in baseball) but huge attraction including a bigger tennis complex as well.
The Mets Problem is not what to do about Soto but, it is more how can we help make this thrive for decades to come something the New York Mets fans have been missing in ownership. Will players take less to play in Queens, we have to wait and see?
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