The mission was not easy. Juan Sotothe star Dominican hitter of the Mayor League Baseball (MLB) was one of the most desired free agents by all teams. He flirted with the Yankees, but finally New York Mets They managed to obtain their services in exchange for a contract of 765 million dollars for 15 years, a relationship that developed in a luxurious mansion in California.
According to information from New York Postone of the exclusive properties of the owner of the Mets, Steve Cohen, an imposing US$32 million residencewas key in convincing the Dominican Major League star to sign with his team. There, the owner of the Mets closed the record contract with Soto and his family.
The mansion, located in Beverly Hillsextends through more than 1100 square meters. Acquired by Cohen in 2015 for US$32 millionhas nine rooms, multiple fireplaces and a pool with a waterfall. This residence impressed both Soto and his work team.
In addition, it includes several parking areas with capacity for more than 30 vehiclesa sports court, two guest houses and a movie theater, among other notable amenities. This exclusive setting in Beverly Hills marked a significant difference compared to other team meetingswhich took place in less impressive spaces, such as the residence of agent de Soto, Scott Boras.
According to the specialized site Realtorin February 2023, Soto sold his house in Arlington, Virginia, for $1.1 million. However, despite signing a record contract with the Mets, It is unknown if he has already acquired property for his permanent home in New York.. Either way, you will have a wide variety of luxury options at your disposal.
For the negotiation, Cohen organized a meeting with 15 people at his houseincluding Soto, Boras and other representatives. During the meeting, he offered Latin food, creating a welcoming atmosphere that highlighted the cultural connection. Besides, He used his movie theater to make the formal presentationwhich reinforced the team’s personalized experience.
According to Jon Heymanjournalist of New York PostCohen took this opportunity to highlight how the Mets care for their players and their familiesin contrast to the Yankees, with whom Soto “he was supposedly upset”.
This occurred early in his stay with the other New York team, when an “overzealous” security guard restricted the access of one of Soto’s family members and his chef and driver to certain areas.
Although the team apologized, this situation would have affected the initial relationship with the player. Instead, the Mets prioritized personalized attentioneven involving Cohen’s wife, Alex, and his father-in-law, to show a genuine interest in the well-being of Soto and his family environment.
Now, Soto begins a stage that promises to mark his career in the Major Leagues. And Cohan’s lavish Beverly Hills mansion was not only a symbol of the Mets’ spending power, but also a strategic tool to seal the agreement with one of the most coveted players in world baseball.
