While the love story between Juan Soto and the New York Yankees deepens, several roadblocks still loom large, the most significant being Soto’s agent, Scott Boras. Unlike players and teams who may sometimes get swept up in the moment, Boras is laser-focused on securing the most lucrative deal for his clients. This means that despite the apparent perfect fit, Soto’s long-term stay with the Yankees isn’t guaranteed. But who could outbid the “Big Evil Empire”? Enter the New York Mets.
The Mets, backed by their deep-pocketed owner Steve Cohen, might have the edge. Desperately needing a franchise player amid their current struggles, a 25-year-old star like Soto is a tantalizing prospect. Jeff Passan, appearing on *The Rich Eisen Show*, noted that Soto’s free agency could turn into a “New York affair.” Soto and Boras are rumored to be targeting a deal exceeding $500 million. Soto’s youth and proven playoff hitting prowess, despite defensive shortcomings, support this lofty figure. Passan suggests this might lead the Mets and Yankees to break their long-standing gentleman’s agreement to not compete directly for free agents. “To me, this feels like a New York – New York affair,” Passan stated. “The Mets need a player around whom they can build, and the Yankees have a player who has proven capable of not just walking into Yankee Stadium and being good but walking in and being great, being foundational, being the match for Aaron Judge.”
Even if both New York teams vie for Soto, the Mets face flexibility concerns. Despite last season’s squad overhaul, their payroll exceeds $300 million. Can they realistically afford Soto? Yankees’ owner Hal Steinbrenner has indicated a desire to lower the payroll next season, which could mean trimming costs elsewhere to create room for Soto.
For the Mets, the situation differs. Their current payroll is $328 million (Spotrac), but next season it’s projected to drop to $143.5 million. This reduction offers the Mets financial maneuverability, but they also aim to re-sign Pete Alonso. Acquiring both Soto and Alonso seems challenging, especially since the Yankees offer Soto a winning environment, while the Mets’ path involves a rebuild. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on Soto’s priorities between immediate success and potential long-term promises.