Juan Soto, one of the most renowned MLB players in the game today, became a free agent after the 2024 season following a successful but brief stint with the New York Yankees.
His free agency was highly anticipated, given his young age and impressive track record, including a World Series win with the Nationals in 2019 and multiple All-Star appearances.
Not to mention, he was clutch on the playoff stage for the most storied franchise in baseball history.
Analysts predicted Soto could command a contract in the neighborhood of $600 million or more, potentially challenging the record set by Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers.
Teams like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are among those interested in signing him, with Soto’s desire to play for a contender being a significant factor.
Now, he seems to have found that contender.
Juan Soto Signs With New Team
Juan Soto playfully trolled baseball fans with a social media announcement on Tuesday. But instead of revealing his next team, Soto announced he had signed a partnership deal with the energy drink brand CELSIUS.
The video featured the four-time All-Star sitting before microphones, leading fans to believe he was about to share his free agency decision, only to pull out a CELSIUS hat and can.
Soto’s playful misdirection was both a marketing coup for the company and a humorous (for some) moment for baseball followers still waiting for his actual team announcement.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but after meeting with the team, it’s become clear what I want to be,” Soto says in the video. “With that said…”
He then puts on the hat and declares, “Team CELSIUS.”
Team CELCIUS
At the end of the video, Juan Soto quips, “What? You were expecting a different announcement?”
We’re pretty confident the Yankees would like to see a very similar announcement involving a hat with the ‘NY’ logo on it instead.
Soto played a pivotal role in the New York Yankees’ playoff run in 2024, showcasing his exceptional talent with a .327 batting average and a .469 on-base percentage across 14 games.
He contributed significantly with four home runs and nine RBIs, including a crucial three-run homer in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians that helped secure the Yankees’ spot in the World Series.
Can the Yankees get back there next season without him? Can they win it all with him? That remains to be seen. For now, Soto seems happy to team up with CELSIUS.
“I’m thrilled to join Team CELSIUS, a brand that aligns with my values and has a premium product that continues to support my personal performance and wellness,” he said in a statement.
“Together, we can motivate and inspire individuals to push their limits and LIVE FIT. I can’t wait to share my journey with fans and show them how CELSIUS can help them achieve their goals.”
Maybe you could go ahead and do that in Los Angeles? You know, where the World Series champs live.
More about:MLB News
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