In the middle of Spring Training preparations, the New York Mets are already making waves in anticipation of next offseason.
Rumors swirling around a potential pursuit of superstar outfielder Juan Soto from their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees.
Despite a relatively uneventful winter this go-round, owner Steve Cohen is expected to open back up the check book a year from now.
Presenting: Bobby "Fuck You" Axelrod #Billions pic.twitter.com/mMRlaEQ57H
— BILLIONS (@SHO_Billions) July 7, 2023
Juan Soto is expected to be the biggest name on the free agent market.
While it’s certainly possible that the Yankees work out a long-term deal with Soto, he could very hit the market and see what’s out there for him.
When Mets fans say they’re going to sign Juan Soto after this season
pic.twitter.com/KPkuZdPQxO— 4 Train Savages (@FourSavages) February 29, 2024
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Mets are seen as the favorites to land Soto next year.
“The Mets are not only expected to strongly pursue but could be among the favorites for outfielder Juan Soto when he’s a free agent next winter,” Nightengale reported.
UPDATE: According to @BNightengale, the #Mets “are not only expected to strongly pursue” but could be “among the favorites” for Juan Soto next offseason. #LGM pic.twitter.com/c9V8LhpfoE
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) February 25, 2024
Seen as a perfect fit for the Mets lineup, Soto’s youth, talent, and proven track record make him an idea star to build around.
At just 25 years old, Soto has established himself as one of the premier talents in Major League Baseball.
🚨"Juan Soto is not resigning with the Yankees. I don’t see much of a chance. I have a friend who is close with Soto.I hear that even if he has a mediocre year, he’s going to ask for $500 million. If he has an MVP-type season, he’s going ask for $700 million I was told Ohtani… pic.twitter.com/uSo2J8CExe
— MetCast (@MetCastPod) February 25, 2024
As an added bonus, Cohen and the Mets will get to keep a close eye on Soto this season and see how he performs under the bright lights of New York.
As much as some people try to downplay the whole “New York thing,” it’s very much real.
I speak for everyone when I say Juan Soto has more aura in a Mets uniform than a Yankees one pic.twitter.com/p73WDDYgrP
— DJ (@GraphicsByDJ) February 26, 2024
What is your take on Soto as a player?
Where do you rank him among the top stars in baseball?
Not to look past this season, but do you think the Mets will land Soto a year from now?
What type of contract do you think he will command???
Mets fans: JuAn SoTo WiLl Be a MeT
Also Mets fans: PeTe AlOnSo iS beTtEr aNd JuAn SoTo iSnT gEnERaTiOnAL pic.twitter.com/i2hGQ0QoyM
— John (@92In82) February 27, 2024