Juan Soto has hardly hit the spring training, and the guy has started winning hearts over in New York. The Met’s latest signing, who took the trade market by shock with his historic deal price, recently gifted a full-size car to one of his teammates.
After signing a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, Soto wanted a jersey number of his choice. That was #22. But there was a problem; there was someone already donning that number at the Mets camp. And he was none other than Brett Baty. But when he saw Soto coming to the team, he felt it was the right time to give up on his No. 22 jersey and made it available for him.
However, Soto did make a thoughtful purchase out of his staggering $700+ million contract and purchased a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for Baty. Though it was great of him to show his appreciation to a teammate who selflessly gave up his jersey for the outfielder. Soto surprised Baty with the brand-new SUV, complete with “Thanks For #22” written on the back, making it a heartfelt gesture that has since gone viral.
“Bro, this is crazy. This is crazy!” Baty exclaimed after seeing his new car.
The emotional response from Baty was palpable as he erupted with excitement upon seeing the lavish gift. He expressed his gratitude to Soto multiple times. He was visibly thrilled that the four-time All-Star had even adorned the vehicle with a bow.
Did Juan Soto Really Have To Do With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Decision?
Juan Soto sorted his way into the new franchise at the earliest. However, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turned down a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, some say it was Soto who influenced him.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Soto’s recent $765 million deal with the New York Mets has significantly shifted the financial landscape in MLB. This huge contract set a new benchmark for elite hitters and it ultimately led Guerrero’s contract to expand dramatically.
“Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turned down a lot of money… I do think Juan Soto changed the dynamics,” Passan recently said.
With Guerrero in his mid-20s and establishing himself as one of the best hitters in the game. The allure of a more lucrative contract on the open market must have been tempting. Guerrero’s situation is further complicated by the dynamics within the league. The lack of a long-term deal for Pete Alonso opens the possibility of another big-dollar bidding war as both Guerrero and Alonso approach free agency.
