Juan Soto does a deep dive on the seven-pitch epic at-bat that sent the Yankees to the 2024 World Series — and sealed the Mets and owner Steve Cohen’s desire to sign him.

In search of their first World Series title since 1986, the Mets lost to the Dodgers in last year’s NL Championship Series. After signing Juan Soto and others, Cohen estimated his team’s payroll at $325 million.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen wasn't planning on spending as much on the 2025 roster as he has. Speaking to The Athletic's Tim Britton, Cohen explained he "blew through" the original payroll projections in part because free agency proved more expensive than he thought it would be.

After signing Juan Soto to a record $765 million, 15-year contract and reaching deals with Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and others, Cohen estimated his team’s payroll at $325 million.

At some point, Steve Cohen says, he will cease spending at this level. He’s also well aware that he said the same thing last year, when the Mets blew past the $300 million mark (and the so-called “Cohen Tax,

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso speaks about getting to play with Juan Soto, his free agency process, and his meeting with David Stearns and Steve Cohen.

Steve Cohen on what Juan Soto can bring to the Mets as a player and for the fans, plus having Pete Alonso back in New York this season

"I've always wanted to be a little more measured in payroll growth, and then we get there and it's never quite there,” Cohen said Tuesday.