"You hate watching Juan Soto step into the box" - Blue Jays manager on superstar's move to the Mets and how it changes the Yankees’ future
On Sunday, Juan Soto, who played for the New York Yankees in the 2024 season, signed with the New York Mets on a record 15-year, $765 million contract. He played for the Yankees for only one season after joining them on Dec. 6, 2023, from the San Diego Padres.
Soto, who is 26 years old, became the most wanted free agent after the 2024 season.
On Monday, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider shared his views on Soto's signing on MLB Network Radio.
"Yeah, I mean, it's been exciting, you know, and unfortunately, you know, you get a really, really good player going elsewhere," Schneider said. "But, you know, I think you just move on to try to make your team better, you know. So, Soto's a, you know, he's an incredible person, player, you know, excited for him and what he's doing, you know, for the game and for himself. So, moving on to try to get our team better.
"Yeah, we were all involved, you know, he's, again, you see him from across the field and you kind of hate watching him step into the box," he added.
He also gave his opinion on Soto leaving the AL East division.
"That's a good thing, the top of that Yankee order hopefully be a little different without him," Schneider concluded.
Before Soto, the Blue Jays also missed out on signing Shohei Ohtani last year. Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the LA Dodgers.
Juan Soto’s move to the Mets after his first season leaves Yankees and rivals searching for new options
The Yankees reportedly offered Juan Soto a deal of about $760 million spanning 16 years. However, they decided not to match the Mets' offer, according to Andy Martino. With Soto gone, the Yankees will turn their attention to other potential targets who could replace him.
The Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Blue Jays were all in pursuit of his signature. Now, they will all be looking for alternatives such as Anthony Santander, who is currently a free agent.