Soto: I haven't spoken to ex-Yankees teammates since end of season

Juan Soto hasn't had any contact with his former New York Yankees teammates since losing Game 5 of the World Series.

"I haven't talked to any of those guys," Soto said at his introductory press conference with the New York Mets on Thursday, per SNY. "We talked to them through playoffs, at the end of the playoffs, but after that, I haven't talked to any of them."

Soto stunned the Yankees when he agreed to a 15-year, $765-million contract to join the Mets on Dec. 8.

"The Mets are a great organization, and what they have done in the past couple of years has shown all the ability to keep winning, to keep growing a team, to try to grow a dynasty," Soto said.

The Mets are coming off a surprising run to Game 6 of the NLCS before losing to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Soto is expected to form a dynamic duo atop the Mets' lineup with star shortstop Francisco Lindor after teaming up with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge last season.

"I think we have one of the best leadoff hitters in the game," Soto said.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said he identified Soto as a prime target when he discussed taking the job with owner Steve Cohen ahead of the 2023 season, according to Tim Healey of Newsday.

"I do think Steve and Alex's involvement in this process, really their genuine nature throughout this - this was not only a baseball decision, this was a family decision for them. If I were sitting across the table, that would make an impact on me," Stearns said Thursday, per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.