To the surprise of many, the Yankees actually came close to matching the Mets’ record-shattering $765 million contract to Juan Soto. And at face value, 16 years, $760 million seemed like a sweet deal to stay in pinstripes.
But Soto was looking for a suite deal.
According to a report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Soto grew discouraged with the Yankees’ unwillingness to provide him with a luxury suite for his family at Yankee Stadium. Instead, the Yankees insisted that Soto pay for the suite himself at a discounted rate. Meanwhile, the Mets were willing to give Soto his suite at Citi Field.
Since the Yankees had made Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge pay for their suites, they didn’t want to set a different precedent with Soto. Via the Post:
The Yankees shouldn’t be faulted for bidding a whopping $760M, but they wouldn’t budge on the suite. The Yankees felt they couldn’t give a suite to Soto when Judge pays for his suite, and even Derek Jeter paid. They were willing to discount a suite but not alter their precedent.
When you think about it, though, that does make some sense — especially when you’re looking at the cost of that request. Suites at Yankee Stadium can go for upwards of $25,000 for a single game. And while the Yankees did offer Soto a discounted rate, you’re looking at around a $20 million perk over the 16 years on top of that $760 million deal.
Mets owner Steve Cohen, on the other hand, didn’t care about the cost effectiveness here. He wanted Soto and was going to do whatever it took.
