+34
Steve and Alex Cohen already have done their best Santa impression this winter in gifting New York Mets fans Juan Soto.
Todd Zeile played Santa Claus, and Reed Garrett, dressed in green and red velvet, was by his side as a helpful elf at Citi Field, where the Mets hosted more than 125 Queens students for their annual Kids Holiday Party.
5Clay Holmes got both of his free agency wishes with Mets deal “Steve and Alex, with what they’ve done to show that we’re committed to win,” Garrett said Thursday, “I think that we took the right steps forward last year, and this year there’s going to be a little bit higher expectations.Corey Sipkin for the NY PostHe will be a better on-field addition, Soto probably hitting second in the lineup coming off a brilliant season and postseason that brought the Yankees three wins shy of a World Series title. “He’s a great player. I’m glad we don’t have to pitch to him anymore,” said Garrett, who gave out gifts to the children. “I think he’s an anchor for our team, and he’s going to be somebody who can change a game by himself. And I think he’s just truly an unbelievable talent.”He and most of the rest of the Mets are laying low during the offseason, Garrett bummed that his and David Peterson’s shared fantasy football team has been eliminated from the team’s league.Last winter, the righty reliever hung on the Mets’ 40-man roster for the entirety of the offseason, his first time as a major leaguer in which he did not change teams or sign as a free agent. The Mets believed in an arm that then broke out in 2024, when Garrett finished with a 3.77 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 57 ¹/₃ innings. A Mets bullpen that has watched Adam Ottavino, Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith hit free agency will be different next season. Garrett, a four-year major leaguer who did not taste success until last season, will be back with a significant role.“I finally got to the right place at the right time, and I’m just glad to be here,” said Garrett, who was taking his son to his basketball game in Virginia then chatted with a family in Mets caps. “It’s a little bit different. Some people recognized me out in public this year. I got to kind of get a little bit more used to that, kind of catches you off guard.Vividseats: Official Ticketing Partner of New York PostTaylor Swift thought she was going to 'quiet dinner' before Travis Kelce surprised her with 'giant' Eras Tour-themed party
Scratch the next story
Sports Juan Soto New York Mets
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How much Juan Soto would impact Mets, Yankees, more suitorsJuan Soto would make any team better. But exactly how much better varies. We put a number on it.
Read more »
Yankees, Mets take Juan Soto offers to historic territory with decision imminentThe Yankees and Mets are making a final push in the Juan Soto sweepstakes ahead of the Winter Meetings.
Read more »
Mets sign superstar Juan Soto | How to get Juan Soto Mets jersey, T-shirt, moreJuan Soto is a New York Met. Here's how to buy his jersey.
Read more »
Juan Soto in agreement with Mets for largest deal in professional sports history, sources tell ESPNjuan soto, soto, juan soto mets, mets, new york mets, sports, juan soto contract,
Read more »
Juan Soto's $765 million contract deal shows Mets owner's dedication to reinventionRob Wile is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist covering breaking business stories for NBCNews.com.
Read more »
Juan Soto Sends Clear Message to Yankees Fans After Signing With MetsFormer New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto shared a message to Yankees fans during his introductory press conference with the Mets.
Read more »