Soon-to-be free agent Juan Soto will likely be staying in New York for the foreseeable future, ESPN is reporting. It’s just a question of borough.
The New York Yankees slugger is expected to command at least $500 million when he finally becomes an unrestricted free agent this winter, but according to MLB insider Jeff Passan, only one other team has a realistic shot at signing him: the crosstown Mets.
The ultimate price tag for Soto remains a complete mystery. Three years ago, as a 23-year-old World Series winner with the Washington Nationals, Soto rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract in hopes of becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.
Now, with that moment rapidly approaching, Passan is reporting that the Mets and Yankees are clear favorites for his services, while the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, LA Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are all long shots.
The Yankees have one clear advantage in MVP candidate Aaron Judge, who has primarily hit behind Soto all season and provided the power-hitting lefty with an enormous amount of protection in Aaron Boone’s lineup. Pitchers fearful of putting Soto on base ahead of the game’s greatest power hitter have done exactly that, walking the 26-year-old a league-high 109 times this season.
New York Yankees’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run in Chicago
And when Soto has made contact, he’s been absolutely devastating.
Since being acquired in an offseason trade from San Diego, Soto has hit .294 with 37 home runs, 25 doubles and four triples in the Bronx this season.
Most importantly, he’s scored 108 runs on the season and should easily eclipse his career-best 111 he posted in 2021.
Soto is one of six key soon-to-be unrestricted free agents for the first-place Yankees, who will be forced to weigh the contributions of Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres before committing to the right fielder.
The Mets may have a more difficult decision to make.
Sure, they have seemingly unlimited resources with owner Steve Cohen, a hedge fund billionaire considered by Forbes to be among the 100 wealthiest people in the world. But the Long Island native hasn’t been throwing away his fortune to bring a World Series to Queens.
Aaron Judge (left) and Juan Soto (right) have become one of baseball’s most fearsome duos
The Mets are also facing a decision on first baseman Pete Alonso, who is approaching 30
What’s more, Mets general manager David Stearns is facing a decision on first baseman Pete Alonso, a right-handled slugger and potential complement to Soto, who has nonetheless seen his offensive production decline over the last three years.
Now approaching 30, the former National League Rookie of the Year could be part of the Mets’ future or the club could look for a cheaper option at first base (think Arizona’s Christian Walker) with an eye towards making a stronger push for Soto.
There are other complicating factors for both the Yankees and Mets.
In the Bronx, injury-plagued ace Gerrit Cole can opt out of his deal with four years and $144 million remaining, although that currently appears unlikely.
A pitcher who is more likely to opt out is the Mets’ Sean Manaea, who could look to capitalize on a career year by testing free agency this winter.
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