In December 2024, the New York Mets made headlines by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking fifteen-year, $765 million contract, the largest in Major League Baseball history. While Mets owner Steve Cohen’s massive offer clearly played a crucial role, NBA star Donovan Mitchell jokingly claimed he deserved half the credit for persuading Soto to come to Queens. Speaking on the podcast Cafe con Lindor, Mitchell told Mets teammate Francisco Lindor that he had been personally encouraging Soto to join the Mets for years.
Mitchell recounted engaging with Soto on multiple occasions, including phone calls and conversations during games, suggesting the idea of playing in New York.
“I called him when he was in Washington, I was like ‘man, this would look great in Queens’. Then, I came here [Citi Field] when we played the Padres in the playoffs, I was like ‘I’ll be here’. I’ve been working on this,”
Mitchell said.
He humorously divided the credit for the signing, stating,
“I mean, 700 [million] is a lot of money, I got to give Steve Cohen like 25 percent. [David] Stearns is like another 25, then I do 50. How long were these talks going on? I’ve been doing this for three years,”
underscoring his playful confidence in his influence on Soto’s decision.
Donovan Mitchell Celebrates Soto’s Arrival with a FaceTime Call
Donovan Mitchell, a six-time NBA All-Star raised just 40 minutes from Citi Field in Elmsford, has been a longtime Mets fan, and his enthusiasm was evident as the team completed the spectacular Juan Soto signing. To celebrate Soto officially joining the Mets, Mitchell reached out to the slugger with a FaceTime call to congratulate him on the historic deal.
After a brief adjustment period at the start of the season, Juan Soto has now established himself as a key offensive force for New York. Leading the team with 30 home runs, Soto has become a critical player as the Mets aim for a playoff spot, battling through the wild card race.
Mitchell’s sincere support reflects the excitement among Mets fans who hope Soto will continue to deliver strong performances in the season’s crucial moments. With the team fighting fiercely to reach the postseason, Soto’s leadership and production at the plate remain pivotal.
The Broader Significance of Soto’s Signing for the Mets
Juan Soto’s signing represents a transformative moment for the New York Mets, signaling their ambition to build a long-term championship contender. With owner Steve Cohen willing to invest unprecedented sums, the Mets have positioned themselves as a major force in baseball. Donovan Mitchell’s playful claim of helping influence Soto’s decision highlights the strong cultural and fan connections that top athletes can share across sports within New York.
As the season continues, the partnership between Soto and key figures like Francisco Lindor and Mitchell’s enthusiastic backing adds to the excitement around the Mets’ playoff hopes. The blend of fresh talent and veteran presence in Queens aims to turn these ambitions into reality in the months ahead.