Mets and Yankees Compete for Juan Soto's Future as Contract Talks Begin
Juan Soto, the 26-year-old superstar, is set to meet with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and his agent Scott Boras next week in Southern California, marking the first direct discussions between Soto and the Mets. The team is eager to convince Soto to leave the Yankees and join their ranks after his season across town in 2024.
In response, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has scheduled his own meeting with Soto's camp, planned for after Cohen's. While a specific date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that Steinbrenner will fly to California within the next week to continue discussions on keeping Soto in the Bronx long-term.
Soto is rumored to be seeking a deal that could potentially set a new record for the largest contract in MLB history. This doesn't deter either New York team. Cohen, the wealthiest individual owner in baseball, has already been a high spender since acquiring the Mets four years ago. The Mets are expected to have over $90 million in dead money coming off their books this offseason, which will free up salary space after posting the highest payroll in baseball in 2024.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are hoping Soto will remain with the team following the trade last winter that sent five players to the San Diego Padres for the outfielder. In his first season with the Yankees, Soto excelled, posting a .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored—leading the AL in runs.
General manager Brian Cashman stated that although he has already been in contact with Boras, Steinbrenner may take a less hands-on approach, given Soto's familiarity with the Yankees. "Since (Soto) knows us, we are standing ready to meet with him if he feels it necessary to meet with us," Cashman said.
Soto is expected to meet with several other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays. However, the Mets and Yankees are seen as the primary contenders for his services.
Since his rookie season in 2018, Soto has been one of MLB's top position players, trailing only Aaron Judge in fWAR during that time.
