Sometimes major decisions in sports don’t occur on the field or in meeting rooms, but quietly over a meal. The New York Yankees were just hours away from securing Juan Soto’s long-term future with the team before a brief lunch discussion shifted everything. Instead of signing with the Yankees, Soto is now an outfielder for the Mets, following a record-breaking $765 million contract.

The Final Moments That Unraveled a Bronx Agreement

Bob Nightingale of USA Today reports that the Yankees were close to finalizing a multi-year deal with Soto by December 11. The deal was nearly complete, and Soto seemed headed to stay in pinstripes. However, he requested additional time during a lunch with his family to consider the offer carefully. By the time the Yankees circled back, the dynamic had completely changed.

Following advice from his trusted inner circle, Soto committed to the Mets with a 15-year contract worth $765 million, including an opt-out clause after 2029. Should the Mets waive the opt-out, the contract’s total rises to $805 million, a figure even the Yankees were approaching in their final offer.

The Impact Beyond Losing Soto’s Bat

The Yankees didn’t just lose a top-tier player; they suffered the blow of seeing a near-certain deal slip away. Soto’s combination of power, patience at the plate, and confident presence felt like a perfect match for New York. His ability to stabilize a lineup prone to inconsistency quickly won over fans, fueling hopes for a more balanced offensive attack.

Now, the Yankees are left pondering whether a simple meal conversation stands as the moment that cost them an unparalleled free-agent acquisition in years.

Soto’s Current Performance and Public Perception

Through the early part of 2025, Soto’s numbers have been decent but not reflective of his massive contract. He is hitting .241 with an on-base percentage of .370 and a slugging percentage of .422, including eight home runs and 23 RBIs, yielding a 125 weighted runs created plus (wRC+).

While still outperforming the league average by 25%, this production does not reach the MVP-caliber level expected from him. Some critics have expressed concern about his on-field demeanor and recent questions surrounding his enthusiasm, suggesting the weight of his enormous Mets contract may not align with his initial expectations.

Could the Yankees’ Missed Chance Be a Blessing in Disguise?

Interestingly, some Yankees supporters now view the missed signing as fortuitous. With Soto slightly underperforming and the team’s offense thriving, the resources initially allocated to him have been invested in players like Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, and Devin Williams, who have all contributed significantly to the Yankees’ strong 32–20 start.

The question remains whether Soto would have justified a salary exceeding $50 million annually or if the added pressure might have detracted from both his and the team’s success.

The Lasting Effects of the Soto Contract Negotiation

For the moment, the Yankees are succeeding and leading the American League East, projecting as strong contenders to reach the World Series. However, their fortunes could shift if key hitters cool off come postseason.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto still has the opportunity to adjust and reaffirm that the Mets’ historic investment in him is justified. The reality remains striking: the Yankees nearly secured one of baseball’s brightest talents, only to lose him in a quiet moment over lunch.