MLB superstar Juan Soto has signed with the New York Mets, and his free agency decision may have come down to one small detail.
Juan Soto left the New York Yankees for their crosstown rivals in the Mets after a shock decision.
While Soto got a mega deal from the Mets, the little details appear to have been what secured his decision to sign with them.
One of those little details was including a suite for his family to watch games from, free of charge.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Mets owner Steve Cohen easily included that perk in his $765 million offer to Soto.
Meanwhile, the Yankees wanted Soto to pay for his own suite like other players do.
Aaron Judge and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter have to pay for their suites at Yankee Stadium.
Suites at sports games can get extremely expensive, especially in New York City, with suites at Citi Field ranging from $3,250 to $13,000 for just one game, according to Suite Experience Group.
Those prices can easily inflate much higher based on the date and opposing team.
For example, a suite on Sunday, May 25 against the Los Angeles Dodgers costs $5,050 for the cheapest option while a suite for Tuesday, June 10 against the Washington Nationals costs $7,500 for the cheapest option.
Some suites can inflate to well over $15,000 for just one game.
The Yankees were willing to provide a discount on a suite for Soto, but didn’t want to make a special exception for him.
They still put out a big offer for the superstar, presenting him a $760 million contract over 16 years.
That offer was $5 million and one year short of the Mets’ 15-year, $765 million offer which Soto accepted.
The Yankees will be forced to pivot to one of the numerous other free agents to try filling the void that Soto will leave in their lineup.
The Bronx Bombers are already being linked to multiple pitching and hitting talents as the Winter Meetings trudge along.
They are currently linked to first baseman Christian Walker after losing Anthony Rizzo to free agency.
Walker is 34 years old and played on the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.
The Yankees are also connected to 31-year-old pitcher Max Fried, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Atlanta Braves.
Trade candidates like Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros and Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs are also in play for the Yankees.
The Mets are expected to make more moves alongside Soto during free agency as well.
They have some big names they are looking to retain, including first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Sean Manaea.