On July 12, 2025, the Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Yankees 5-2, stopping the Yankees' five-game winning streak. Matthew Boyd pitched eight scoreless innings, while Aaron Judge hit his 35th home run, becoming the fastest to reach 350 homers. Max Fried exited early due to a blister, and the Cubs' offense was led by Nico Hoerner and Carson Kelly.
Juan Soto, who recently signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, explained his lack of communication with former Yankees teammates as a result of changing his phone number to avoid outside calls during free agency. Despite the Yankees' competitive offer, Soto chose the Mets, marking the largest contract in American sports history.
The Houston Astros are actively pursuing a deal to retain Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, competing with teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Tigers. The Astros have a 6-year, $156 million offer on the table, but Bregman's market is heating up, especially after Juan Soto's mega-deal with the Mets. Bregman is a top priority for several teams, and a decision is expected soon.
Mets owner Steve Cohen confirmed the team is still in talks with Pete Alonso about his free agency, following comments from baseball operations president David Stearns expressing a desire to retain him. While Alonso has shown interest in the Yankees if the Mets don't make a strong offer, there is no substantial indication of other teams' involvement. Alonso, who declined a qualifying offer, had a down year but remains a valuable player. The Mets, despite their high payroll, could financially accommodate Alonso while also needing to address other roster areas.
Juan Soto has signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, choosing them over the New York Yankees and other teams. Despite the Yankees' competitive offer, Soto was drawn to the Mets' vision for the future and their commitment to player and family well-being. Mets owner Steve Cohen emphasized the importance of Soto in achieving the team's championship goals. Soto's decision marks a significant shift in New York baseball dynamics, as the Mets aim to build a dynasty.
Juan Soto's move from the Yankees to the Mets has brought heightened expectations to the Mets, similar to the Yankees' rings-or-misery mentality. While the Mets previously faced less criticism for their performance, Soto's talent and record contract have shifted the pressure, making success imperative. This change was evident at Soto's introductory press conference, where the high expectations were not downplayed.
Juan Soto, during his introductory press conference with the New York Mets, revealed he hasn't spoken to any of his former New York Yankees teammates since the World Series ended. This is surprising given the Yankees' efforts to re-sign him and his impressive performance last season. Soto, who had a standout year with the Yankees, ultimately signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, indicating that his former teammates did not influence his decision to leave.
Juan Soto, now officially a New York Mets player after signing the largest contract in baseball history, revealed he hasn't spoken to his former New York Yankees teammates since the playoffs. Despite the lack of communication, Soto expressed gratitude towards Yankees fans and maintained that his friendship with former teammate Aaron Judge remains intact. The Yankees, who lost the generational talent, might find this revelation particularly disheartening.
John Sterling, the former Yankees announcer, expressed confusion over Juan Soto's decision to sign with the Mets instead of staying with the Yankees, despite a lucrative offer. Soto chose a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, which included a $75 million signing bonus, over the Yankees' 16-year, $760 million offer. Sterling speculated on various factors influencing Soto's decision, such as team dynamics and personal preferences, but dismissed the idea that minor perks like a stadium suite were decisive.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman defended the decision not to offer Juan Soto a free suite at Yankee Stadium, a perk reportedly included in the Mets' offer that helped sway Soto to sign with them. Cashman emphasized that the Yankees have never provided such perks to high-priced players and believes the primary reason Soto chose the Mets was their higher financial offer. Despite reports of a family-related incident at Yankee Stadium, Cashman dismissed the notion that it influenced Soto's decision.
The Houston Astros are open to trading star outfielder Kyle Tucker, attracting interest from the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. Tucker, in the final year of his contract, is valued highly, with the Cubs offering players like Seiya Suzuki and Isaac Paredes, and the Yankees preparing a significant offer. Tucker's potential free agent value is projected to exceed $400 million, making him a highly sought-after player. The Astros have struggled to negotiate an extension with Tucker, focusing instead on retaining Alex Bregman.
The New York Yankees successfully signed free agent pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, making it the largest deal ever for a left-handed pitcher. Despite not being Fried's first choice, the Yankees used a combination of familiar faces, including special advisor Omar Minaya, and a competitive financial offer to secure the deal. The Yankees outbid the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers, adding Fried to an already strong pitching rotation.
The Houston Astros are considering trading outfielder Kyle Tucker, with the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs among the most interested teams. The Astros are seeking big-league ready corner infielders and starting rotation help in return. The Yankees have shown interest, particularly in Luis Gil, while the Cubs have several young talents that appeal to the Astros. Other teams like the Giants and Phillies have also been linked to Tucker, but their fits are less clear. The trade discussions have intensified following Juan Soto's recent deal with the Mets.
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan speculated on ESPN's "First Take" that Juan Soto chose the New York Mets' 15-year, $765 million offer over the New York Yankees' 16-year, $760 million offer due to a specific reason, though the article does not detail what that reason is.
Max Fried, a fan-favorite pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, has signed an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees. The Washington Nationals won the MLB Draft Lottery and will pick first in the 2025 Draft, while the Braves will pick 22nd. Former Braves pitcher Huascar Ynoa has joined the Minnesota Twins on a minor league deal. In other MLB news, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded for Spencer Horwitz, and the Boston Red Sox are preparing an offer for Corbin Burnes. Cleveland legend Rocky Calavito has passed away at 91.