
Brett Baty Receives a New Car from Juan Soto After Jersey Number Exchange
Brett Baty, the infielder for the New York Mets, may have given up his No. 22 jersey, but he has gained a shiny new vehicle.
In a gesture of appreciation, Juan Soto presented Baty with a brand-new car in recognition of the jersey number he has donned throughout his Major League Baseball career.
This thoughtful exchange is not uncommon in the sports world, especially when a newly signed player wants a specific jersey number that’s already in use. For example, after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, Shohei Ohtani gifts vehicles to teammates’ families as a sign of goodwill, including a Porsche for the wife of relief pitcher Joe Kelly.
Soto has the financial means to express his gratitude generously. With an incredible contract valued at $765 million with the Mets, he is set to earn $121.9 million in 2025, encompassing both his salary and a considerable signing bonus.
As a four-time All-Star, Soto’s financial reservoir means he could easily purchase an entire fleet of luxury SUVs for Baty without feeling a pinch in his wealth.
In contrast, Baty has had to be more prudent with his finances. Earning $800,000 this season, he still has to wait until 2027 for his eligibility for arbitration before he might see a significant boost in his earnings.
While Mets fans may have to be patient before fully enjoying the benefits of Soto’s signing, they are hopeful that his presence will elevate the team’s success come October. Ultimately, Soto’s performance will be a crucial factor in determining whether the Mets can capture a coveted World Series championship.
For Baty, however, the rewards of Soto’s arrival have already arrived.
