MLB free agency is underway, and He is at the center of attention as rumors and updates swirl about his free-agent visits and potential landing spots. While no decision is imminent, there are signs of progress in the pursuit of the perennial MVP contender.
Soto, who turned 26 in October, is coming off an MVP-level season where he played a pivotal role in leading the New York Yankees to the World Series. Despite the Yankees losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, Soto’s stellar performance further boosted his value on the free-agent market.
**Juan Soto’s 2024 stats (via ESPN):**
– .288/.419/.569 slash line
– .989 OPS
– 41 home runs
– 109 RBIs
– 31 doubles
Following the Yankees’ World Series loss, reports indicate Soto has met with several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, and Philadelphia Phillies have expressed interest.
While many initially viewed the Yankees as the favorites to retain Soto—especially given his contributions and the assets they gave up to acquire him—the race for his signature now seems more competitive.
According to **Jon Heyman of the New York Post**, MLB insiders believe the Mets have emerged as legitimate contenders to sign Soto. After a meeting between Mets owner Steve Cohen and Soto, some around the league see the Mets as having a genuine shot at luring him away from the Yankees.
“It seems like [it’ll be] the Mets — they’re an ascending team and have money,” said one source.
Signing Soto would require a record-setting contract, likely exceeding $50 million annually for over a decade. However, the Mets have more financial flexibility than teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, and Yankees. Soto would become the face of the Mets’ lineup, staying on the East Coast and elevating the franchise’s status under Cohen’s ownership. While adding Soto might necessitate parting ways with Pete Alonso, the Mets have options to address their needs at first or third base.
Landing Soto would represent a transformative move for the Mets, solidifying their lineup with a superstar capable of performing at an elite level for years to come.
Be the first to comment