For months, Yankees fans feared that Juan Soto would leave the Bronx due to concerns about the team’s long-term future—and now, the star outfielder has confirmed that was indeed a factor in his decision to sign with the New York Mets.
While the Yankees were considered strong contenders to retain Soto, their aging core and uncertain farm system ultimately raised doubts. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Soto admitted that while the Yankees were his top choice initially, he questioned their ability to remain competitive beyond the next five or six years.
“The Yankees were No. 1 from Day One,” Soto said, citing team owner Steve Cohen’s vision, an emphasis on family, and a long-term commitment to success as reasons for choosing the Mets. He added, “I know the Yankees are going to be good for the next five, six years. We don’t know after that.”
For Yankees fans, hearing Soto explicitly state what they feared all along is a tough pill to swallow. Despite the team’s aggressive offseason moves—acquiring Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, and Devin Williams—the uncertainty surrounding their long-term trajectory appears to have cost them one of baseball’s brightest stars.
This decision serves as a wake-up call for the Yankees and other big-market teams: spending big in the short term isn’t enough—players like Soto are looking for sustained success over the course of their careers.
