The New York Yankees went to extreme lengths to acquire a generational talent like Juan Soto this off-season. After talks stalled due to the San Diego Padres’ steep ask, Brian Cashman made a fresh and aggressive appeal during the winter meetings. At last, AJ Preller softened his stand and shipped Soto away to the Bronx.
Meanwhile, for the first time since the trade came through, Juan Soto appeared before the media as a Yankee. He was introduced by the Yankees via Zoom call as reporters asked questions turn by turn. During the press meeting, possibilities of Soto’s extension with Yanks were actively discussed. However, the outfielder’s hesitance of commitment has made the WFAN Radio host cook up a wild scenario.
Sal Licata Thinks Juan Soto Would End Up With Mets At The End Of 2024 Season!
Juan Soto, a 25-year-old generational talent and future Hall of Famer outfielder, is now a Yankee. The Bronx Bombers traded him during the Winter meeting for a one-year rental deal. As far as extension talks are concerned, Soto refused to shed details. During his introductory press conference, the left-handed hitter said his focus is on playing baseball. Holding contract negotiations on his behalf is the responsibility of his agent, Scott Boras. “They (Yankees) know who to call,” said Soto. Needless to say, the outfielder is yet to make up his mind. While he would like to explore free agency by the end of the 2024 season, considering an extension with Yanks is also a possibility.
Having said that, Juan Soto’s initial resentment has made WFAN Radio host Sal Licata believe that perhaps his generational talent wants to be a Met. He believes that having played for Nationals for five years, Soto is extensively familiar with National League East. “I feel like Soto actually wants to be a Met,” said Licata. However, he also thinks that the scenario of Soto choosing the Mets over the Yankees sounds crazy owing to the prestigious esteem of the latter. But at the same time, Steve Cohen and his money is something the Mets could use to lure Soto during upcoming free agency. Soto is estimated to bag a $400-500 million contract if he enters free agency post-2024 season. Thus, the one to throw the most amount of dollars would win the sweepstakes.
Gio Feels Yankees Wont Offer Extension Contract To Juan Soto Next Year!
While Sal Licata hyped up the Mets fans with a wild scenario, his counterpart Gio doused the possibility. He says just because Soto is not committing to the Yankees does not mean he would land on the other side of the subway. As a Scott Boras client, the outfielder will surely enter the free agent market by the end of the 2024 season, says Gio.
The radio host further added that Boras never entertains extension offers for high-end clients. Thus, the Yankees won’t even bother offering one to Soto during the 2024 season. “They are going to go to the market at the end of the year and say, ‘Pay me the most money,’ and he’s gonna go to that team,” Gio said.