When the New York Mets signed Juan Soto in December, few were shocked that owner Steve Cohen was able to pony up the most appealing bid to the 26-year-old superstar. The record-breaking nature of the deal sent shockwaves through the league: $765 million over 15 years, no deferrals, with a ceiling above $800 million.

When Juan Soto hit free agency, the expectation was that the New York Yankees were in the driver's seat when it came to retaining him. It was safe to assume tha