Part 3/7:
Critics pointed out that for many players, the allure of a lucrative contract often trumps aspirations for legacy or championship aspirations. Individuals engaged in the discussion asserted that if Soto had genuinely prioritized legacy, he would have opted for a smaller payday with the New York Yankees—an organization historically seen as a powerhouse in MLB.
One analyst likened Cohen's spending spree on Soto to a wealthy individual splurging on luxury items. This perspective underscored the significant gap in financial realities between team owners and players, suggesting that financial freedom allows for pursuing contracts viewed as unthinkable in earlier eras of baseball.