According to one forecast, Juan Soto, the best free agent in baseball, will leave the New York Yankees.
Soto’s price should increase because other teams are interested in him. Bleacher Report’s Erik Beatson thinks that will result in Soto agreeing to a “historic” contract with the New York Mets.
Beaston stated, “The Mets are still the front-runners to sign Juan Soto in free agency, and it is expected that no team will be able to outbid them and that the Yankees have a number in mind that they will not go beyond.” It is hardly unexpected that Soto has been connected to the NLCS runners-up since before the season ended. A generational hitter, the 26-year-old has finished his finest season to date. He set career highs for hits (166) and runs (128) and hit 41 home homers.
“A fantastic Mets team from 2024 would be even better with his bat in a lineup that includes NL MVP candidate Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and possibly Pete Alonso,” Beatson continued. “The team would instantly stand out as one of the favorites to emerge from the National League and contend for a World Series, even if they are unable to bring Alonso back.” Regarding Soto’s final destination, it seems to be getting less dramatic. Soto and the Mets ink a historic contract.
It’s unclear what the historic deal would be. However, it is likely to surpass Shohei Ohtani’s AAV record or reach $700 million.
Beaston is certain that Soto will leave the Yankees and sign with the Mets, their rivals, regardless.
The Mets are thought to be the favorite to sign Soto because they are among the teams that have expressed interest in the outstanding outfielder.
Based on his chats, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today claimed on November 25 that the Mets are the favorites.
Executives claim that the Mets are the overwhelming favorite because they don’t think anybody will outbid owner Steve Cohen, while the Yankees have a price in mind that they don’t want to go above, according to Nightengale.
The Mets are anticipated to outbid every team in an attempt to acquire Soto because to Cohen’s substantial financial resources.
The owner of the Yankees acknowledges that he worries about the Mets.
The Yankees and Mets will probably be the final two teams in the Soto sweepstakes.
Hal Steinbrenner, the owner of the Yankees, acknowledged that he was concerned about Cohen and the Mets outbidding everyone after New York spoke with Soto.
Regarding Cohen’s expenditures, Steinbrenner remarked, “I could say that about a couple other owners too.” or businesses that stand in for the ownership group, for that matter. Therefore, it’s obviously a worry.
Steinbrenner says it is hoped that Soto may be re-signed by the Yankees.
“Having him in New York was a huge hit with our fans,” Steinbrenner added. “He undoubtedly had a big role in our World Series success. I have ears. I am aware of the expectations. You see, that has been a top priority. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have traveled to the West Coast.
Soto has been an All-Star four times.
