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2 reasons the Mets will sign Juan Soto next winter, 2 reasons they won't
Juan Soto arrived in New York City but not with the team that New York Mets fans expected. Soto was traded from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees for a package that included pitcher Michael King and prospect Drew Thorpe, among others.
Regardless of the transfer, Juan Soto is expected to play this final season of his contract and test free agency, something his agent, Scott Boras, usually does with his clients. Even Soto described his excitement at being with the Yankees saying he will "try to enjoy the moment while I'm there," which opens the door even further for Soto to hit free agency, where the Mets will be interested.
The Mets' advantage is Steve Cohen, obviously
Although Steve Cohen has been quieter and more patient this offseason, possibly indicating his new management style and determination to believe in David Stearns' process, his aggressive personality toward achieving his goals continues. We saw how his interest led him to take a plane with Stearns to Japan to meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which shows what he is willing to do when he wants something.
The team's plan to remain competitive in 2024 to continue planning for the future may be indicative of preparing for the 2025 FA, which shows more relevant chips than this offseason. Soto will receive the most attention in the 2025 market.
Soto is a perfect fit for practically all teams, but especially for the Mets. The fact that he is a left-handed hitter who plays left field makes him a piece of interest because the team does not have a player in MLB or on its farm system capable of playing the position consistently.
It is a fact that Steve Cohen will want to obtain the services of a top hitter in the league like Soto. For her, Cohen will use his influence and financial resources to attract Scott Boras and Soto to Queens for the rest of his career.
The return of the Evil Empire could affect the Mets
The New York Yankees had not taken the direction they have shown this offseason in decades. Hal Steinbrenner, chairman of the Yankees' ownership group, has decided to go all in to win a title in a way reminiscent of his father's empire.
The Yankees have a comparative advantage against the Mets. Having made the transfer for Soto puts them in a privileged position to negotiate with Soto.
Showing him the organizational culture of the Yankees, the spotlight of playing in the city, and the sacrifice they made to prospects to obtain his services could work in favor of Soto being in favor of signing for life with the team. Likewise, although Steve Cohen may have a large amount of resources at his disposal, the fact that Steinbrenner is willing to see the Evil Empire Strike Back could indicate his interest in having resources for this, as has been reported.
The battle between the Yankees and the Mets for the services of Soto next offseason could be a fierce and shocking event for baseball. Steve Cohen will have to prepare his Jedi entourage to fight against the dark side of New York City, which has returned with greater strength.
The 2021 IG post at Citi Field could be an indication of his interest in the Mets
During the 2021 season, Soto published a post through his personal Instagram account at Citi Field looking toward the center field where he described "Let God move the chips for you." In the message, Soto used the hashtags to name the city of New York and the Big Apple reference without mentioning any team in particular.
While the post could be an indication of his taste for New York City, the fact that the post was in the Mets' stadium generated a lot of speculation. A lot of time has passed since this deleted post, and Soto's interest may have changed to date.
Some aspects remain relevant. Soto has a preference for the city in which he can play this season with the Yankees and experience the New York spotlight, which will undoubtedly increase his value. But in the same way, some things could unite Soto with the Mets, and we can use that photo as a reference.
First, the Latino community, led by Dominicans, is significant in New York City and within Mets fans. Secondly, his brother was almost signed by the Mets until the Washington Nationals intervened in the agreed signing process. But more importantly, Soto would immediately be the face of the Mets in New York, something that would not happen with the Yankees with Aaron Judge at the helm.
Shohei Ohtani's contract structure will have a domino effect on the race for Soto
From the moment the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for a record $700 million for ten years, it seemed to indicate that the Dodgers had reached the point they wanted and could. A contract of the magnitude of Ohtani's, although deserved, would put any organization, including the Dodgers, in serious trouble to obtain other top moving forward players.
However, the news of Ohtani's contract being structured with an absurd amount of deferred money ($680 million) gives the Dodgers enormous flexibility to continue acquiring relevant players this season and in future seasons. Additionally, the Dodgers' outfield (with Mookie Betts at second base), composed of Chris Taylor, James Outman, and Jason Heyward indicates that, despite having outfield prospects in their farm system, Soto would be a good fit for a team with enough money available.
Unlike the Mets or the Yankees, the Dodgers have prepared their finances for these moments for years, and Ohtani has only helped them more. To convince Scott Boras, you need money, and to convince Soto, you need a good city and a good team, and the Dodgers have plenty of all three qualities.
Steve Cohen must prepare his wallet to be able to win the fight against the Dodgers, who have an eye-catching and championship roster where any player would like to be. Ohtani has made it easier for the Dodgers to be a stronger contender for Soto's services next offseason.
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