REPORT: New Clear-Cut Favorite Emerges To Sign Superstar Free Agent Juan Soto
Juan Soto (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Juan Soto is coming off an MVP-caliber season that pushed the New York Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009. The Los Angeles Dodgers dispatched them in five games, but Soto’s excellent season has him on the verge of securing a free agent deal that’s expected to be worth at least $600 million.
The Yankees and New York Mets have been regarded as the two front-runners for Soto’s services. He’s met with the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, with the Los Angeles Dodgers also scheduling a meeting with the 26-year-old phenom.
But according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and FOX Sports, Soto signing with the Mets is “the most likely scenario.” Rosenthal said he’s not discounting the Yankees or another team from winning the sweepstakes, but he guesses that the Mets will be the lucky winners:
“It just seems to be me that (Soto’s agent) Scott Boras’ goal, Juan Soto’s goal, is to get the most money. To make a precedent-setting deal…it’s why he turned down $440 million for 15 years from the Nationals a few years back….to establish his true value.
Who’s the guy best positioned to give h im that? In my view it’s (Mets owner Steve) Cohen…if I were a betting man, that’s the way I would bet.”
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The Mets are coming off a surprise trip to the NLCS, where they were eliminated by the Dodgers. Star slugger Pete Alonso is also a free agent, so Cohen must make a big splash (or two) if he doesn’t retain the fan favorite.
Me waiting around for the Yankees to re-sign Juan Soto pic.twitter.com/RvsKfvCb8b
— Mike Salvatore (@MikeSalvatore10) November 15, 2024
Both New York teams have World Series-caliber rosters, and they have more than enough financial resources to meet Soto’s price tag. But could a team like the Jays, Red Sox or Dodgers swoop in with a contact offer he can’t refuse? Stay tuned.
Mets May Be Juan Soto’s Best Option
If Soto wants the money and the chance to compete for several World Series championships, then the Mets might be his best landing spot. Unlike Cohen, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner hasn’t shown that he’s willing to spend whatever it takes to sign the players he seeks.
The Mets have a World Series-contending roster led by Francisco Lindo. Soto would also be the face of the Mets franchise, not the No. 2 face behind Aaron Judge of the Yankees. Add it all up, and the Mets certainly feel like the best landing spot.
