New York Mets star right fielder Juan Soto has clarified that he had no complaints about how the New York Yankees treated his family during the 2024 season.
In an interview with “Grandes en Los Deportes” on Dec. 20, Soto dismissed rumors suggesting dissatisfaction with the Yankees’ conduct toward his family, labeling them as false.
“That’s a lie,” Soto stated, as reported by MLB journalist Héctor Gómez and other translations of the interview.
According to The New York Post’s translation, Soto praised the Yankees’ organization, saying, “My family was treated very well” and describing their staff as “tremendous.”
Soto joined the Mets on Dec. 8, signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal that could reach $805 million. Reports indicate the decision was driven not only by the Mets’ higher offer (compared to the Yankees’ reported 15-year, $760 million proposal) but also by a welcoming family atmosphere fostered by Mets owner Steve Cohen, as well as alleged past incidents involving Soto’s family.
The day after Juan Soto’s agreement with the Mets, The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Soto was “allegedly upset” by an incident early in the season involving an “overzealous” Yankees security guard. The guard reportedly prevented a family member and Soto’s chef/driver from accessing certain areas. While details were limited, the incident aligned with reports emphasizing the importance of family to Soto. Although Soto forgave the Yankees, the Post noted that the Mets were aware of the situation and would ensure such issues didn’t occur in Queens.
A Dec. 12 ESPN article further explored how the Mets secured Soto. According to sources, Soto’s father was once turned away at the clubhouse door while attempting to deliver food to his son, a routine enforcement of MLB rules established post-steroid era to prevent unauthorized access. On another occasion, Soto’s driver was told to wait outside a restricted parking area until the game ended, per team policies. Notably, Yankees manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman reportedly weren’t informed of these incidents until after the season.
Soto’s deal with the Mets reportedly includes a $75 million signing bonus, a suite at Citi Field (which the Yankees charge players for), 22 premium Delta Club seats, and additional perks such as family security and a clothing allowance for his mother, as reported by The New York Daily News’ Bill Madden.
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