Is Soto worth the investment?
Look at the numbers. Out for the season. Who's behind the WNBA sex object tosses?
Good morning, all! If you are lucky enough to start your weekend early, enjoy!
Juan Soto is being criticized by Mets fans far and wide, while also taking a verbal beating on talk radio these days. Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765M deal with the Mets, hasn’t exactly been the Juan Soto who helped the New York Yankees win their first pennant in 15 years last season. His numbers, however, have not been bad. He is batting .249 (compared to .310 last year at this time) with 26 home runs and 64 RBI. Are those the numbers of a $765M ballplayer? Well, you will have to be the judge (Ugh!) on that.
Mets fans are particularly roiled because the once red-hot Amazins’ just lost two-of-three to the Giants and were swept three games (just one hit on Wednesday) by the Guardians at Citi Field. Once in first place, the Mets now trail the Phillies by 2 1/2 games in the NL East.
So, has Soto been worth the investment? At the gate he has big time. Mets attendance is soaring. They are averaging nearly 12,000 more per game than last year. Team owner Steve Cohen is making money hand-over-fist with the Soto investment.
Including the upfront bonus money the Mets gave him and for conversation sake dividing up the entire contract by 15 years, Soto is making roughly $51M per season. Let’s presume each fan shells out about $100 per game for ticket, parking, refreshments, etc. (And I am being very conservative here, as it is likely much more.) Times that by the 12,000 additional fans per game, times the 59 home games the Mets have already played and that is an additional $70.8M more the Mets have brought in. They still have another 22 home games to play so using our calculus, that’s another $26.4M. More than likely, the Mets are going to make the post season so that is more money.
The bottom line is Cohen will more than double his annual investment in Soto this season. No wonder the guy is a hedge fund manager. The answer then is “Yes,” Soto has been worth the investment financially. As far as on the field? Well, his numbers could be better, but they are not awful. And anyone ruling out the Mets making a run to the World Series does so at his or her own peril. Soto has plenty in the tank and I would not be surprised if he finishes with the swagger fans have come to expect.
Below are the attendance figures for MLB teams through Aug. 1
For you NFL-starved fans, CBS announces first week broadcast assignments
Some other thoughts that have crossed my mind for Friday, August 8, 2025
You really cannot make this stuff up. Reports are a crypto group is behind the throwing of sex objects on the court at WNBA games.
Meanwhile, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who makes $3M per year, says the people throwing these sex toys are “not fans” of the league. Phew! With insightful commentary like that, she should be making $4M per year.
Yikes! The injuries are mounting. The LA Chargers announced Rashawn Slater is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon. The injury occurred in practice. He just became the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history with a new contract last week.
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro has stated the all-sports channel will not get favorable treatment, when it comes to the broadcast rights of the NFL, now that ESPN has purchased the NFL Network. Sure they won’t.
The Chicago Bears have been valued at $8.8B, as in ‘B.’ They could even afford Juan Soto.
Here’s the breakdown on the Red Sox deal with rookie Roman Anthony per the NY Post’s Jon Heyman:
If Anthony wins certain awards the base salary increases.
Atlanta Braves fans are reportedly fuming, because the team is cutting payroll. You cannot tell me these teams are not preparing for a work stoppage, when MLB’s contract with the players association runs out after the 2026 season. Also would be surprised, if Brian Snitker returns as manager. Snitker is a great guy, but he might be thinking now would be a good time to retire.
That is it for today. Have a terrific Friday.
DAN