The Juan Soto sweepstakes are in full swing, and the New York Mets appear to be the frontrunners to land the superstar slugger, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Soto, a coveted free agent, has been meeting with several teams, including the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. However, Rosenthal suggests that Steve Cohen’s Mets are the “most likely” destination for Soto, largely due to their financial flexibility and aggressive pursuit.
Why the Mets Make Sense for Soto
Soto’s primary goal, alongside agent Scott Boras, is to secure the most lucrative deal possible, and no owner is better positioned to offer that than Steve Cohen. With nearly $200 million freed up from expiring contracts—including Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and James McCann—the Mets have ample resources to make a historic offer.
Adding Soto to a lineup that already features Francisco Lindor and breakout star Mark Vientos could push the Mets over the top. This would be especially critical if first baseman Pete Alonso departs in free agency, a scenario the Mets are still considering. Soto’s left-handed bat and elite on-base skills would provide the Mets with a cornerstone piece to continue their ascent after reaching their first NLCS since 2015.
Rosenthal’s Take
In an interview with Scott Braun of Foul Territory, Rosenthal stated, “If I were a betting man, that’s the way I would bet.” While he acknowledged the unpredictability of free agency, he pointed to the Mets’ willingness to outbid their competitors as a decisive factor.
Meeting Goes Well
Fellow insider Jon Heyman confirmed that the Mets recently met with Soto and Boras in California, a meeting that reportedly went very well. The Mets’ ability to make a compelling pitch and their ongoing willingness to invest heavily in premium talent could position them as the ultimate winners in the Soto sweepstakes.
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