Whereas it was mentioned earlier this week that the Toronto Blue Jays “simply could be the” group that retains Juan Soto from both re-signing with the New York Yankees or becoming a member of the New York Mets in free company, it was subsequently reported that Soto and agent Scott Boras had a “productive” assembly with members of the Boston Crimson Sox that lasted roughly three hours on Thursday evening.
For a mailbag printed on Friday, MLB/Mets/Yankees insider Andy Martino of SNY was requested in regards to the Mets’ probabilities of touchdown Soto.
“A great likelihood,” Martino responded. “A strong likelihood. An enormous likelihood. They’ve the sources, ambition and location. As I’ve reported earlier than, Soto was glad as a Yankee, which provides the incumbent group a bonus on the outset of free company. But when anybody goes to pry him away from the Bronx, I believe it is going to be [Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen]. The Mets are set as much as end both first or second on this sweepstakes.”
Whereas there stay questions on how a lot Yankees proprietor Hal Steinbrenner is prepared to spend, contemplating his earlier feedback in regards to the group’s total payroll, he believes followers would not tolerate a division rival outbidding the Bronx Bombers for Soto’s providers. Nevertheless, Cohen has the sources to pay greater than some other proprietor for a single participant and a historical past of spending huge, even when doing so means paying gamers to carry out elsewhere.
None of this implies Soto will not meet with the Blue Jays or some other would-be consumers earlier than he chooses his subsequent MLB residence. He’s anticipated to reset the market for place gamers by signing a historic contract this offseason, and Boras doubtless hopes a bidding struggle will drive up the 26-year-old’s worth.
Mets icon Carlos Beltran serves as a “particular assistant” to Stearns and not too long ago mentioned the membership “will go full blast for” Soto. That remark and Martino’s replace recommend that Cohen will not settle for the All-Star outfielder taking part in residence video games in Boston or Toronto except a type of golf equipment makes the slugger a stunning provide that features greater than $700M in assured cash.
