Yankees’ Star Free Agent Juan Soto Met with Mets, Signing Still in Play
The New York Mets’ contingent including owner Steve Cohen, David Stearns, and Francisco Lindor met with superstar free agent Juan Soto on Saturday in Los Angeles, and all early indications are promising for the Queens club.
A Promising Meeting
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the meeting went “very well,” which further cements the Mets’ status as one of the favorites to sign Soto, who turned 26 years old when he took the field for Game 1 of the World Series with the Yankees.
What This Means for the Mets
Signing Soto out from under the Yankees would be the largest coup ever executed by the Mets on the New York baseball scene, which would be yet another indication of the changing landscape of the clubs’ status in the Big Apple.
Steve Cohen’s Deep Pockets
Cohen’s status as the richest owner in baseball will do that, though, and he has the funds necessary to outbid anyone for Soto should it get to that. After a season in which he hit 41 home runs in the Bronx, Soto is expected to make at least $600 million on his next contract.
Will the Yankees Engage in a Bidding War?
Whether or not the Yankees would be willing to engage the Mets in a bidding war remains to be seen. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has expressed reservations about piling on massive contracts in the past, but talents like Soto do not come around often — and his ALCS-clinching home run in Game 4 against Cleveland prompted even some of his Yankees teammates to beg management to throw a blank check at him.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
The Yankees’ quest in re-signing Soto reportedly begins on Monday as they will meet with their right fielder and his agent, Scott Boras. General manager Brian Cashman did not sound all too hopeful when asked about the prospects of retaining the four-time All-Star last week, which will not inspire a ton of confidence from Yankees fans.
Conclusion
The meeting between the Mets and Juan Soto is a promising development for the Queens club, and Steve Cohen’s deep pockets may be the deciding factor in landing the superstar free agent. Whether or not the Yankees engage in a bidding war remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the fate of Juan Soto’s next contract is far from certain.
FAQs
Q: Will the Yankees engage in a bidding war with the Mets?
A: Whether or not the Yankees would be willing to engage the Mets in a bidding war remains to be seen. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has expressed reservations about piling on massive contracts in the past.
Q: What is Juan Soto expected to make on his next contract?
A: After a season in which he hit 41 home runs in the Bronx, Soto is expected to make at least $600 million on his next contract.
Q: Will Steve Cohen’s deep pockets give the Mets an advantage in signing Soto?
A: Yes, Cohen’s status as the richest owner in baseball will do that, though, and he has the funds necessary to outbid anyone for Soto should it get to that.
Q: When will the Yankees meet with Juan Soto and his agent?
A: The Yankees’ quest in re-signing Soto reportedly begins on Monday as they will meet with their right fielder and his agent, Scott Boras.
