NEW YORK — So, what exactly makes a dynasty in the world of professional sports? Owner Steve Cohen explored this concept with Juan Soto over lunch, detailing his aspirations for the Mets franchise.

Soto inquired about how many World Series titles Cohen hoped to achieve in the coming decade. The billionaire responded frankly: “Two to four.”

This vision of a successful future in Flushing encouraged Soto to consider the idea of joining the Mets. Of course, the unprecedented $765 million contract played a role in his decision, along with the efforts of Cohen’s family, especially co-owner Alex Cohen, to make Soto feel at home.

On Thursday afternoon at Citi Field, the vision the Cohens have for a reliable, championship-contending team became more tangible as Soto donned a Mets hat and white jersey decorated with royal blue and orange during a press conference in the Piazza Club.

“What I saw here about how the organization operates and their future plans really opened my eyes,” Soto commented as he stood as the highest-paid player in sports history. “Their dedication to winning a championship and establishing a dynasty with the New York Mets is definitely remarkable.”

The event felt almost like a dream come true for the Mets as they rolled out the red carpet for one of the top hitters of his era.

A vibrant display of seats lined the bar area as Soto made his entrance in a sharp navy-blue suit and a black turtleneck, accompanied by a No. 22 necklace, greeted by a wave of applause from the Mets staff.

The Mets arranged for 22 seats for Soto’s family, affectionately dubbed the “Soto Supreme Court” by his agent Scott Boras. A delectable spread of Latin American cuisine, including carne asada, roasted pernil, tostones, and arroz con gandules, awaited them.

Soto’s signing marked a key milestone for everyone involved.

“This is obviously a monumental move,” Cohen acknowledged. “It highlights our ambitions. We’re accelerating our championship goals, but more importantly, as I stated in our locker room after one of our playoff wins, my aim is to reshape how the Mets are perceived. I truly believe we are on that journey.”

“We are on a continuous path of improvement. My aspiration is simpler: I want the Mets to be recognized as one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball.”

Thursday’s celebration had been imagined ever since David Stearns took the helm as the franchise’s inaugural president of baseball operations at the start of the 2024 season. Soto was among the top names on the free agent list for 2025, but mock trades with the crosstown Yankees raised questions about his future.

Stearns shared that preparations to acquire Soto began last August. The team’s run to the National League Championship Series improved their chances, but the Yankees also made significant strides. Soto had one of his best seasons, hitting a career-best 41 home runs and scoring 128 times while driving in 109 runs.

“His thought process about hitting is truly exceptional,” Stearns remarked. “He’s not just a physically talented player; he invests considerable time contemplating his craft and observing other players. That’s why he’s so successful, and it all comes down to his analytical approach.”

After weeks of negotiations, optimism faded dramatically on Saturday night, with Stearns estimating the Mets’ chances at under 50%. The bidding war escalated to unprecedented levels. But Cohen was determined.

“I excel at adapting quickly, it’s a skill I use in the markets,” Cohen concluded.

As I often say, ‘I don’t give up. I don’t shape the world. I just have to navigate the world that is created around me.’ I wasn’t the only one in contention. That’s how the market works, and we’re fortunate that he chose us.

Even with a successful season with the Yankees, Soto mentioned that this was ultimately a choice for his family. The Cohens laid out a family-oriented culture, emphasizing Steve’s availability and transparency with his players. Stearns spoke highly of his strategy for assembling the roster, taking advantage of the team’s financial backing and the promising young talent that is ready to step up.

This message really resonated with Soto.

“What they present and what they offer indicates that they are a good family,” Soto said regarding the Cohens. “A family that is determined to win but also cares for their players and their families. That was one of the main reasons, it made sense for me to move forward.”

And on a chilly Thursday afternoon in December, the Mets organization celebrated acquiring one of baseball’s top free agents and possibly restoring its identity as a significant contender in the game. Now, Soto carries a significant share of the responsibility in advancing that vision.

“That’s why you play baseball: to become a championship player and to win as much as possible,” Soto noted. “At the end of the day, you can have everything you want, but if you don’t win, it becomes quite difficult.”