Dwight “Doc” Gooden, the former MLB star who won World Series titles with both the Mets and Yankees, shared his thoughts on the upcoming free agency pursuit of All-Star slugger Juan Soto.
Speaking at Fanatics Fest NYC at the Javits Center, Gooden said it would be “interesting” to see how the local rivalry between the Mets and Yankees plays out this winter over Soto’s free agency.
After all, both are expected to be heavily interested in signing Soto to a massive, long-term deal.
However, the former Cy Young Award winner expressed skepticism that the Mets would actively pursue Soto unless the Yankees fail to secure him first.
“Me, personally, I don’t see it [happening]. I think the only way – and this is just my opinion – but the only way the Mets really go after Soto is if the Yanks can’t sign him,” Gooden said.
“Then, I do think the Mets will step in and go after him. But normally, you don’t ever see the two teams going after the same guy.”
Soto, who has formed a modern-day “Bash Brothers” duo alongside fellow Yankees star Aaron Judge, has posted impressive stats this season, including a .300 batting average, 34 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a 1.033 OPS.
“If you’re trying to win, and you’re interested in Soto, ya gotta put all the friendship and personal stuff aside and do what you gotta do to make your team better,” Gooden added.
“He’s legit. If I’m starting a franchise, I’m not saying I’d give him whatever he wants, but I’m making him very happy for the next 10 years and [would] build my team around him.”
Meanwhile, the Mets are also facing a critical decision regarding first baseman Pete Alonso, who is also approaching free agency.
Gooden, who hopes the four-time All-Star stays with the Mets, expressed concerns about Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, known for snatching every last penny for his clients.
“Oh man, I hope he stays,” Gooden said of the home-grown Alonso. “Pete’s a Tampa guy; I’m a Tampa guy, so I’m a little biased.
“Obviously, there are great guys on the team, like [Francisco] Lindor and [Brandon] Nimmo, but to me, I think Pete is like the heart and soul of that team.
“Just what he brings. If I’m a pitcher and I’m facing that lineup, Pete’s the one guy I don’t want to beat me. I don’t know if other pitchers look at it that way, because Lindor has stepped up big time. But I think Pete makes everybody in that lineup better.”
Reflecting on the current state of New York baseball, Gooden gave the Yankees an edge in starting pitching over the Mets.
Gooden, whose career was marred by off-field struggles, also spoke about the recent honor of having his jersey number retired by the Mets, alongside his 1986 teammate Darryl Strawberry.
“For so many years, I felt like I didn’t truly belong. Now, I feel like I do,” Gooden shared, highlighting the significance of the honor and the support from New York fans.
Getting back to Soto, how do you think everything ends up shaking out? … Will Brian Cashman and the Yankees be willing to reach deep enough in their pockets to keep him in the Bronx?
Or will a surprise team, such as Steve Cohen’s Mets or dare I say the Dodgers step up and snatch him away???