The New York Yankees have more immediate concerns to address right now. While they have secured the AL East division title, they understand that their work is far from complete. It has been 15 years since the Yankees last captured a World Series title, and they are eager to reclaim their position at the top of Major League Baseball. Nonetheless, it’s not too soon to consider their free agency strategies, particularly regarding star slugger Juan Soto.
Soto has exceeded the Yankees’ expectations since they acquired him from the San Diego Padres in the offseason. He has developed a dynamic partnership with Aaron Judge in the heart of the batting order, and his impressive 41 home runs and 126 RBIs would likely have earned him the MVP title if not for Judge’s phenomenal 2024 season. However, the concern is that Soto is set to enter free agency at the end of this season.
The Yankees have never shied away from spending money, and they are expected to offer the 25-year-old right fielder the contract he desires. Soto’s youth and impressive track record of production make him worth the investment. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees’ crosstown rival, the New York Mets, are also vying for his services.
“Early hints suggest the Mets will indeed pursue Juan Soto,” Heyman reported.
An executive who spoke with Heyman believes the Mets have the best chance of enticing Soto away from the Yankees, stating, “It’s the Yankees, then the Mets, then everyone else.”
Under new ownership, the Mets have shown a willingness to invest heavily in stars during free agency. However, it’s significant that they have seen success following offseasons where they refrained from overspending on every available player. Still, Juan Soto is not just any free agent. He will be only 26 at the start of next year, with many productive years ahead, making him a top candidate for a contract that could rival that of Shohei Ohtani.
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