Btw, I'd rather have Ref in the line-up over Duran. I admire Duran's speed, but until the league comes up with another rule change, a batter can't steal 1st base.
Also, Ref is better defensively.
I know great catches bore you, but when a team has a shite pitcher like Pivetta throwing, they better have an outfielder who can make fantastic catches.
The other reason for turning down all that money could be that Soto and his agent didn't think Soto was worthy of that large amount. That happens a lot in MLB.