Juan Soto's Reason for Not Talking to Yankees Teammates Before Mets Deal Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 7:15 PM ET

In the wake of Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets on a 15-year, $765 million contract, some tea is being spilled. It was revealed that Soto had no communication with his former Yankees teammates because he had changed his phone number, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

"He was bombarded by outside calls during his free agency and wanted privacy," Nightengale reported.

With the Mets deal done, Soto has begun reaching out to his former Yankees teammates.

A report from Tim Britton and Will Sammon of The Athletic detailed how a personalized touch was part of the pitch to Soto to join the Mets. The 26-year-old built rapport with ownership in Washington and San Diego.

It was noted how Soto did not have that bond with Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner.

The reason there was no communication between Juan Soto and his former Yankee teammates simply is that Soto changed his cell phone number.
He was bombarded by outside calls during his free agency and wanted privacy.
Soto now is reaching out to former Yankee teammates.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 13, 2024

Soto spoke about the franchise's vision of the future, which caught his attention.

“It was one of the most important things,” Soto said. “What you were seeing from the other side (last season) was unbelievable. The vibes and everything, the feel and future that this team has had a lot to do with my decision.”

Soto's contract became the largest in professional sports history , surpassing the record set by Shohey Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers last year at $700 million.

Before Soto and Ohtani's contracts, soccer superstar Lionel Messi set the previous record with his four-year, $674 million contract with Barcelona of La Liga.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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