As the 2024 offseason continues to unfold, one of the most exciting storylines in Major League Baseball is the future of Juan Soto. The 26-year-old outfielder, widely regarded as one of the best in the game, is expected to command a historic contract worth over $600 million.
With a slim list of potential suitors, the New York Yankees and New York Mets have emerged as the frontrunners in the battle to secure Soto’s services for the long term. Both teams are pushing hard to sign the Dominican slugger, but with different strategies and ownership styles, it’s shaping up to be a tight race.
New York City Turn Into Battleground For Juan Soto
Juan Soto’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. The left-handed hitter blasted 35 home runs, drove in 109 RBIs, and set a league-leading .432 on-base percentage with 132 walks. The New York Yankees are making a concerted effort to keep Soto in the Bronx, where he played during the 2024 season. Their front office has reportedly improved their offer, hoping to lure him into a long-term commitment with the team. New York’s roster, with Aaron Judge and a solid supporting cast, is built to compete for championships, and the addition of Juan Soto would undoubtedly strengthen their position. While the Yankees are not giving up easily, it appears that the Mets are the current favorites to land Soto.
According to a recent Baseball Insiders video featuring Robert Murray, the Mets’ combination of resources and a win-now mentality makes them the team to beat. Murray stated, “I do think that the Mets are the team to beat for Soto. 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.” The Mets are led by Cohen, who is known for his willingness to spend whatever it takes to build a championship-contending team. After a tumultuous season in 2024, the Mets are aggressively pursuing top talent like Soto to retool their roster and make a push for the postseason. If Juan Soto were to choose the Mets, it would send shockwaves through the New York Yankees’ fanbase, who are already desperate to secure a title after a World Series loss in 2024.
Mets-Yankees Rivalry To Heat Up
What makes the competition between the Yankees and Mets even more intriguing is the rivalry between the two teams. Both clubs are based in New York, and a move to either side would carry significant implications. While the Yankees remain a formidable contender for Juan Soto, their pursuit of pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried suggests that they are preparing for the possibility of Soto’s departure.
The Dodgers, with their own deep pockets and commitment to winning, also remain in the mix for Juan Soto, though they’ve recently committed a significant sum to starting pitcher Blake Snell. The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are considered dark-horse candidates in the sweepstakes, though it would be a huge surprise if either landed Soto over the New York teams.
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