The New York Mets are optimistic about signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto, potentially snatching him away from their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. The Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen, are reportedly prepared to make Soto the centerpiece of their offseason, signaling their intent to solidify themselves as a long-term powerhouse in MLB.
Mets “Hopeful” After Meeting with Soto’s Team
Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, recently held high-profile meetings with several MLB teams near Newport Beach, California. Among them, the Mets appear to have made a strong impression, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
“Sources suggest the Mets are ‘hopeful’ — and perhaps even optimistic — about their chances to land the biggest prize of this free-agent class,” Heyman wrote. Key figures from the Mets organization, including baseball president David Stearns, manager Carlos Mendoza, and Cohen himself, attended the meeting and reportedly left a lasting impression.
If Soto joins the Mets, it would deal a significant blow to the Yankees, who have made retaining him their top priority this offseason.
Cohen’s Deep Pockets Give Mets an Edge
A major factor favoring the Mets is Cohen’s financial muscle and willingness to outspend competitors. The Mets, who had MLB’s highest payroll over the past two seasons, are shedding $150 million in contracts this offseason, giving them ample room to pursue Soto aggressively.
“Cohen’s determination to build a sustainable winner in Queens, coupled with his ability to operate in the red, makes him the Mets’ biggest advantage,” Heyman noted. Soto’s potential deal could be historic, with estimates ranging from $600 million to a possible $700 million without deferrals.
Yankees Determined to Retain Soto
Despite the Mets’ optimism, the Yankees remain fully committed to keeping Soto in the Bronx. They plan to hold a final meeting with Boras on November 18 to make their case.
“Yankees baseball people are said to be ‘gung ho’ to get this done,” Heyman reported. The Yankees, MLB’s highest-revenue team, view Soto as a franchise cornerstone following his stellar 2024 season, in which he hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. He also excelled in the postseason, batting .327 with 4 home runs and 9 RBIs.
The Stakes Are High
If the Mets succeed in signing Soto, it would not only reshape the balance of power in New York but also serve as a major statement of intent for the franchise. However, with the Yankees equally determined, the battle for Soto is shaping up to be one of the most intense and expensive free-agent pursuits in MLB history.
The next few weeks will determine whether Soto’s future lies in Queens or the Bronx, but one thing is clear: both teams view him as a transformational player worth every penny.
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