Juan Soto has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that mistreatment of his family by the New York Yankees played a role in his decision to leave the team. The superstar outfielder recently signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, cementing one of the most significant deals in sports history.
Speculation had swirled that Soto’s grievances with the Yankees included an incident where a staff member allegedly removed his personal chef and a family member from a restricted area at Yankee Stadium. However, Soto addressed these rumors head-on in an interview with Grandes en los Deportes, setting the record straight.
Soto’s Defiant Response
When asked about the claims, Soto was unequivocal in his denial.
“That’s a lie,” he said, firmly rejecting the allegations.
Soto went on to praise the Yankees organization, describing them as a “1A” franchise and highlighting the respect he still holds for the team.
“My family was treated very well by the organization. They were always there to help me and my family at every moment,” he added.
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Looking Ahead with the Mets
Soto also revealed that he had sought permission from the Mets to participate in winter ball with Tigres del Licey. While the team approved his request to play in 10 games, Soto confirmed he will not feature this season, choosing instead to focus on preparing for his first year in Queens.
The 25-year-old was unveiled as a Met last week and spoke about his transition to the new team. Despite the rivalry between the Yankees and Mets, Soto expressed no animosity toward his former club and acknowledged he had not spoken to any of his former Yankees teammates since their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fond Memories and Respect for Aaron Judge
Reflecting on his time with the Yankees, Soto spoke warmly about his experiences in the Bronx and expressed particular admiration for Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
“At the end of the day, we’re still friends, we’re still cool,” Soto said. “Whatever happens, it’s just business. The relationship that we created last year will stay forever.”
Yankees Move On
In the wake of Soto’s departure, the Yankees wasted no time reloading their roster. The team made significant moves, signing pitcher Max Fried, reliever Devin Williams, and outfielder Cody Bellinger to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.
When Fried was introduced at Yankee Stadium earlier this week, Yankees manager Aaron Boone presented Fried’s family with flowers—a gesture some interpreted as a subtle response to the rumors surrounding Soto’s departure.
A New Chapter
As Soto begins his journey with the Mets, his clarification about the Yankees underscores the mutual respect between player and organization.
Despite the high-profile move, Soto’s comments suggest his departure was driven by business decisions rather than personal grievances.
Now, as he gears up for his first season in Queens, all eyes will be on Soto to see if he can lead the Mets to the success that eluded him during his time in the Bronx. Meanwhile, the Yankees are equally determined to prove they remain contenders without their former star.
