Many reporters believe that New York Yankees All-Star outfielder will either sign a new contract with the Yankees or join the New York Mets in free agency after the World Series. ESPN’s MLB insider Kiley McDaniel suggests that the outcome of the Yankees’ postseason could determine His future.
McDaniel mentioned on the “Baseball Tonight” podcast, via Tim Crowley of NESN, that “If the Yankees win, he returns. If the Yankees lose, he goes to the Mets.”
Following the Yankees’ 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, which secured them a spot in the American League Championship Series, Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media noted that the Yankees are strong favorites to advance to the World Series.
Meanwhile, ESPN indicated the Mets are considered underdogs against either the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
There have been reports throughout the summer suggesting that Yankees captain Aaron Judge would be fine with Soto being the team’s highest-paid player. Jon Heyman of the New York Post, citing an insider, debunked the rumor that the Yankees would cap their offer for Soto at $40 million annually to avoid offending Judge.
In late September, ESPN’s Buster Olney speculated that the Yankees might get outbid for Soto, with the Mets potentially being the frontrunner after their surprising playoff run. Crowley echoed Olney’s sentiment during the “Baseball Tonight” podcast.
Adding another twist, one of Soto’s former teammates hinted that the Toronto Blue Jays might make a significant offer for the outfielder. Mets owner Steve Cohen could also offer Soto a contract worth up to $600 million. Heyman noted that the Blue Jays are expected to pursue Soto aggressively, though the Dodgers could also be contenders.
There is no indication that Soto will offer any team a discount. He might accept slightly less money if the Yankees win the World Series and he aims to build a legacy in New York. However, it’s uncertain how much Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner will spend to prevent Soto from joining the Mets.
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