New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is dismissing reports that a “free suite” at Citi Field for Juan Soto’s family was the deciding factor in Soto’s decision to leave the team. The idea, popularized by New York Post reporter Jon Heyman, suggests that the Mets’ inclusion of such a perk helped seal the deal.
Cashman, however, disputes this claim, saying that while the Yankees do offer suites for high-end players and their families, it was not a significant factor in Soto’s decision. “I don’t think the suite is a possession arrow one way or the other,” he said.
In fact, Cashman notes that his team has provided suites for family members of high-priced players in the past, but only as part of a package deal to compensate them for the weather. The idea that Soto was swayed by the Mets’ offer due to this perk is unlikely, according to Cashman.
Soto’s departure from the Yankees marks the second major free agent loss for the team in recent months, following Aaron Judge’s exit to the New York Mets. While the exact reasons behind Soto’s decision remain unclear, it is widely believed that the difference in offers between the two teams was a significant factor. Cashman acknowledges that money played a role, but disputes the notion that the suite offer was the primary motivator.
The Yankees’ inability to retain Soto comes as a disappointment to fans and highlights the challenges of competing with other top-market teams for talent. As the team looks to rebuild and retool its roster, Cashman is left to ponder what went wrong in the pursuit of Soto.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5987120/2024/12/11/juan-soto-yankee-stadium-suite-brian-cashman