The New York Mets, led by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, have set their sights on landing superstar free agent Juan Soto this offseason. However, the Mets aren’t the only team aggressively pursuing the generational talent. The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers are all reported to be in the mix, creating fierce competition for Soto’s services.
With the possibility of losing out on Soto, the Mets are preparing an ambitious contingency plan. According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, that plan includes targeting an elite starting pitcher to bolster their rotation — namely Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes. Reuter projects the Mets could offer Burnes a massive seven-year, $255.5 million contract to secure his services.
“All the way back in July, I predicted the Baltimore Orioles would extend Corbin Burnes with a seven-year, $255.5 million deal, which would represent an AAV [average annual value] a tick higher than the $36 million Gerrit Cole is earning annually on his deal with the New York Yankees,” Reuter wrote. “A reunion with the Orioles no longer looks like the most likely outcome for his free agency, but he could end up being the immediate fallback plan for the Boston Red Sox or New York Mets if they miss out on Juan Soto.”
A Desperate Move or a Strategic Pivot?
The proposed $255.5 million figure far exceeds the $200 million to $225 million range that many experts predict for Burnes. But with the Mets’ need to salvage their offseason should they fail to land Soto, Cohen’s willingness to spend could result in a record-setting deal for the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner.
Burnes, 29, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last several seasons, boasting a career ERA of 3.21 and a lethal arsenal of strikeout-inducing pitches. Adding him to the Mets’ rotation would not only offset the potential sting of missing Soto but also re-establish the Mets as serious contenders in the National League.
The Stakes Are High
The Mets’ offseason plans revolve around improving their roster after a disappointing 2024 campaign. While Soto remains the centerpiece of their ambitions, the Mets’ ability to pivot quickly and secure a marquee talent like Burnes could define their offseason success.
For now, all eyes are on Cohen, Soto, and the escalating bidding war. If Soto signs elsewhere, the Mets’ readiness to adapt — and potentially break the bank for Burnes — may provide a much-needed backup plan for their championship aspirations.
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