The Yankees came up short in their bid for Juan Soto, offering the superstar outfielder one extra year but watching as he opted for the higher average annual value presented by the Mets.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees offered Soto $760 million over 16 years, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman, but he ended up signing with the Mets for 15 years, $765 million and a $75 million signing bonus — the largest contract in professional sports history.
The Yankees offered Soto an AAV of $47.5 million, while the Mets offered him $51 million.
Follow The Post’s coverage of Juan Soto’s historic megadeal with the Mets:
- Heyman: Steve Cohen wasn’t sure Mets won Juan Soto sweepstakes until he heard ‘yes’
- Mets’ suite offer Yankees refused to match helped sway Juan Soto’s decision
- Sherman: How Yankees should approach life after Juan Soto in MLB free agency
- Yankees have no Juan Soto regrets after going ‘above and beyond’ comfort level in sweepstakes
Soto could also opt out after the 2029 season if the Mets don’t increase his AAV to $55 million, according to The Post’s Mike Puma, and the added money would make his deal worth over $800 million.
It was more than double the nine-year, $360 deal the Yankees gave Aaron Judge in free agency two years ago, and captured Steinbrenner’s determination to keep Soto in The Bronx and paired alongside Judge near the top of their order.
Soto, who turned 26 at the end of October, hit .288 with a .989 OPS during his lone year with the Yankees, helping them make a run to the World Series that ultimately fell short against the Dodgers.
That started his sweepstakes, which included the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox and Blue Jays.
And with the Winter Meetings set to begin Monday, Soto made his decision.
The Yankees, though, received a reminder of just how much work they’ll have to do as they shift to Plan B.