After signing the largest contract in the history of sports, Juan Soto held his introductory press conference at Citi Field on Thursday afternoon.
“I want to thank Juan for his sincerity and authenticity throughout this process,” David Stearns said. “Throughout his career, Juan has embodied the fun and focus, the energy and passion, that reflects our values as an organization and as a team.”
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“I want to thank the Cohen family for making me part of the Mets organization,” Soto said in his opening remarks. “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of this family.”
Scott Boras spoke about the process of finding a team for Soto and thanked the Cohens for showing who they are beyond baseball.
“Having done many of these, I know that for this one, there was a lot of information that went into it,” Boras said. “As far as baseball, I couldn’t be happier. The game is your life, who this man is, he serves as an example for everyone for what you should do on and off the field.”
Soto said he chose the Mets because he believes the team showed in the last few years that the team has a great future ahead.
“What they have done in the past couple of years – they have the ability to keep winning, to try to grow a dynasty,” Soto said. “What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable.
Steve Cohen said that the signing of Soto is another step forward in changing the perception of the Mets as a franchise.
“My goal was to change how the Mets are viewed, and I think we’re really on the path of changing that, we are never going to stop, we are always in a constant state of improvement,” Steve Cohen said. “This accelerates our goal of winning championships.”
When talking about the Mets’ lineup, Soto specifically praised Francisco Lindor as the team’s lead-off hitter.
“My impression of the lineup is really nice,” Soto said. “We have one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball.”
Soto also mentioned that the Mets emphasized family and felt that the organization was the best fit for his family.
“They always talk about family, they always talk about stick together and stuff like that,” Soto said.”That’s one of the things that opened my eyes and decided for my family. That’s when I start thinking about all the love it can give me and my family.”
When asked about the lengths that the Mets went to win him over, Soto spoke about how the team really wanted to make him comfortable with the organization.
“That’s one of the things that impressed me more, how they are going to treat others around me and my family,” Soto said. “At the end of the day, you are trying to be comfortable where you are at and have a good time.”
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