This was supposed to be the New York Mets’ year. After a thrilling 2024 season that saw a lovable, underdog (albeit talented) team come within two wins of the World Series (one in which they would've faced the Yankees!), Steve Cohen sought to capitalize on all of the momentum by vehemently refusing to lose the winter’s Juan Soto sweepstakes, ultimately signing the superstar to the highest-paid contract in the history of professional sports.
Inking a player of Soto’s caliber appeared to be a no-brainer for any franchise with a big enough wallet to do so (the Mets included).