Juan Soto’s future may still be linked to New York

It appears to be a fierce competition between the Yankees and the Mets for Juan Soto.

All attention in the MLB is currently on the star outfielder and where he will play in the near future.

Many experts believe the 26-year-old could secure a contract worth over $600 million, an amount that only a few teams in the league can afford.

As a result, with a limited pool of potential suitors, recent reports indicate the race is now between New York’s two major league teams: the Mets and the Yankees.

The Yankees are reportedly enhancing their offer to keep the left-handed slugger in the Bronx. Last season, Soto hit 35 home runs, drove in 109 RBIs, and walked 132 times while posting a league-leading .432 on-base percentage.

Are the Mets still the frontrunners?

Even with the Yankees’ improved offer, a recent Baseball Insiders video on YouTube, featuring Robert Murray, suggests the Mets remain the favorites to sign Soto.

“I do think that the Mets are the team to beat for Soto,” Murray explained. “Their ability to win, their ability to compete for a World Series, as well as the owner, Steve Cohen, who can outbid anybody, makes them the team to beat.”

With the Mets’ commitment to winning, the rivalry between the two New York teams has only grown more intriguing. Although the Yankees have been exploring trades for pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, these moves are seen as backup plans in case Soto ends up elsewhere.

Meanwhile, while the Dodgers have the financial power to compete, they recently signed starting pitcher Blake Snell to a significant deal.

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are also considered potential underdogs in the race for Soto. A move to either team would be a significant setback for the Yankees.

More news……

Juan Soto’s Free Agency Decision Leaves Yankees Concerned as Mets Express Interest

Juan Soto, a four-time MLB All-Star and 2019 World Series champion, will take his time evaluating free agency before deciding on his next contract.

Soto, who has previously been a free agent, signed with the Washington Nationals, made his MLB debut in 2018, and finished as the Rookie of the Year runner-up. Now, with his current contract ending, Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking to replicate that success.

Boras explained that the decision will be a personal one for Soto, emphasizing that he wants to meet with potential teams in person before making any decisions. “Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear [from other teams], I can’t put a timeframe on it, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras told ESPN. “He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them.”

Soto has earned a reputation as a fan favorite thanks to his exceptional skills as a left fielder, right fielder, and batter. Even when he returned to Nationals Park as a member of the Padres, he received a standing ovation. This past season with the New York Yankees, Soto played a key role in their World Series run, hitting 41 home runs.

“Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they’re going to provide for their franchise short term and long term,” Boras added.

While the Yankees remain interested in re-signing him, they face stiff competition, with the New York Mets emerging as a strong contender. Reports from The Mirror last week suggested that the Mets are planning to meet with Soto. Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, could also pursue the outfielder, according to ESPN.

Boras noted that the interest in Soto is likely just beginning, stating that any serious franchise will want a “great magician” like him, particularly given his proven ability to perform in the playoffs.