The New York Yankees now face stiff competition in their pursuit of Juan Soto, with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, emerging as serious contenders.
Soto is expected to secure a massive contract, potentially reaching $700 million or more, when he signs his next deal. However, it will take more than just money for the Yankees to keep him in pinstripes.
According to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post on November 16, the Mets impressed Soto with a thorough and detailed pitch during a meeting in California. This interaction has reportedly kept the Mets in the running for Soto’s services beyond 2025, and it’s possible that their pitch has even shifted the momentum in their favor, making them the favorites to land the star outfielder.
“All signs suggest the meeting went extremely well, and the Mets are still seen as one of the top contenders for the 26-year-old Soto, who helped the Yankees reach the World Series in his first season in The Bronx in 2024 and remains a key target for both New York teams,” Heyman wrote. “Sources indicate the Mets’ presentation was a ‘big production’ and ‘very detailed.'”
The Mets pulled out all the stops in their pitch to Soto, with several top executives in attendance to help sway him across town. Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns, and manager Carlos Mendoza all participated in the meeting, and sources say they made a strong impression on Soto.
“One source suggested the Mets are ‘hopeful’ and perhaps even optimistic about their chances of landing the biggest prize in this free-agent class,” Heyman continued. “Mets officials are said to have left a positive impression on Soto during the meeting.”
Soto is likely to have many suitors, and his decision will be influenced by the potential for sustained success at the highest level. The Yankees are certainly well-positioned in that regard after making a World Series appearance in 2024, thanks in no small part to Soto and Aaron Judge.
The Mets also made a deep postseason run, reaching the National League Championship Series before being eliminated by the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are also expected to meet with Soto and could be a strong contender for his services next season.
Juan Soto had an outstanding year in his first season with the Yankees.
In his first season with the Yankees, Soto had an incredible year, leading the league with 128 runs scored. He also hit 41 home runs, drove in 109 RBIs, and drew 129 walks.
With a .569 slugging percentage and a .989 OPS, Soto earned his fourth straight All-Star Game selection, according to Baseball Reference.
Soto is set to be the biggest name in MLB free agency this offseason, and his decision will have a major impact on the future moves of some of the sport’s wealthiest and most successful teams.
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