Part 6/8:
Boras instituted a strict bidding process, requiring interested teams to pitch in person at a luxury hotel in Newport Beach. Initially, several teams, including modest franchises, showed interest but soon stepped back, leaving only the heavyweights in the mix: the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Each team tailored their offer to resonate with Soto, discussing placement within the lineup or overall organizational commitments. However, it was Steve Cohen, the Mets' owner, who broke the mold. Cohen invited Soto to his Beverly Hills mansion for a final meeting, emphasizing a commitment to winning that aligned with Soto’s aspirations.