The Yankees came up short in their bid for Juan Soto, offering the superstar outfielder one extra year but watching as he opted for the higher average annual value presented by the Mets.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees offered Soto $760 million over 16 years, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman, but he ended up signing with the Mets for 15 years and $765 million — the largest contract in professional sports history.
It was more than double the nine-year, $360 deal the Yankees gave Aaron Judge in free agency two years ago, and captured Steinbrenner’s determination to keep Soto in The Bronx and paired alongside Judge near the top of their order.
Soto, who turned 26 at the end of October, hit .288 with a .989 OPS during his lone year with the Yankees, helping them make a run to the World Series that ultimately fell short against the Dodgers.
That started his sweepstakes, which included the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox and Blue Jays.
And with the Winter Meetings set to begin Monday, Soto made his decision.
The Yankees, though, received a reminder of just how much work they’ll have to do as they shift to Plan B.