Yankees’ World Series champion had hoped Juan Soto would join Mets

While many remember Darryl Strawberry for his days with the New York Mets, it shouldn’t be forgotten that he earned a pair of World Series rings late in his career while featuring for the New York Yankees.

Days after it was learned Juan Soto would leave the Yankees for the Mets in free agency, Strawberry spoke with Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media and shared why he “was hoping Soto would come” to the Amazins this offseason.

He’s going to be a great player for a great franchise,” Strawberry said about Soto and the Mets agreeing to a 15-year, $765M contract that could exceed $800M total. “Nothing against the Yankees, I love them. They have that history. Their fans expect to win. But Mets fans are hungry. They’re dying for someone who can change the culture. That’s the right team for Soto.”

While the Yankees famously have 27 World Series titles attached to their legacy, the Mets have only won the Fall Classic twice and haven’t done so since 1986. With all due respect to shortstop Francisco Lindor, Soto will be the best player on the Mets as soon as he puts pen to paper on his deal.

Meanwhile, Yankees captain Aaron Judge recently became a two-time American League Most Valuable Player Award winner.

“I knew Soto would sign there,” Strawberry explained about the 26-year-old relocating from the Bronx to Queens. “It was a good move. If Soto wants to be the man, he’s got to be in a place where that’s possible. It was never going to be that way with the Yankees. Aaron Judge is always going to be the No. 1 Yankee.”

Throughout 2024, much was made about how the Yankees’ “history and tradition” could give them an advantage in the Soto sweepstakes. However, Strawberry pointed out that Soto “would’ve been just one of many great players,” such as Judge, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle, who have worn pinstripes over the past 100 years.

“Soto can become his own man with the Mets,” Strawberry added. “He can become the franchise. He’s only 26. He’s going to do a lot of great things.”

Suppose one of those great things involves bringing at least one World Series title to the Mets. In that case, Soto will almost certainly go down as a franchise legend who could one day enjoy a number-retirement ceremony similar to the one that honored Strawberry this past spring.