Juan Soto is about to face free agency after a successful season with the New York Yankees. Regardless of where he signs, the 25-year-old outfielder has the potential to break non-Ohtani player records. One of these alternatives is the New York Mets. Shortstop Francisco Lindor clarified his previous comments about Soto’s free agency to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal inquired whether the Mets’ ownership would seek Lindor’s opinion before signing Soto. He said, “No.” I don’t want it to come down to a personal decision. When my company takes decisions, I want them to be data-driven while also taking into account the opinions of many others, not just myself. “That is not how an organization should be run.”
Lindor went on, “What I said about Soto was that I would love for him to smash every (money) record out there. I would want for him to go out there and receive what he deserves. It would be fantastic if he could join us. If he’s with someone else, that’s great, as long as he gets what he deserves. I’m confident that wherever he goes, he’ll help the organization. But this is not a conversation I have had with anyone here. I’m not telling anyone right now, “You have to go sign him.” “That is not my job.”
If the Mets signed Soto, they would immediately join the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies in the race for the National League’s top team. When Soto makes his decision, he will alter the entire picture of the league, as proven by his immediate impact on the Yankees this season.
Juan Soto enters free agency after career year
The Yankees traded for Soto, knowing that teaming him with Aaron Judge would result in an unbeatable offense. That has proven true, with Soto already setting a career high in home runs and Judge chasing his own record. Despite subpar beginning pitching and flaws in the rest of the lineup, the Bombers are in contention for a division title.
While Lindor wants Soto to join the Mets, the Yankees should do everything they can to keep him in the Bronx. Without him in the lineup, the Yankees would be in a similar situation as the 2023 season. They ended 82-80 and missed the playoffs, prompting the front administration to make a significant change.
Lindor wants his colleague Soto to break all financial records. Shohei Ohtani’s deal is worth $700 million in total, an unattainable figure for any athlete who isn’t also a pitcher. Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander set the non-Ohtani yearly value record in 2022, signing contracts worth $43.3 million with the Mets. Steve Cohen and the Mets did not benefit from either of those agreements, but that does not rule out Soto joining them.
Rumors circulate that the Mets will engage in a bidding war for Soto. The outfielder is the most valuable free agent, with a price tag of more than $50 million annually. Pete Alonso, the Mets’ first baseman, is the second-biggest free agent for the next season. If Soto ends up in Queens, Alonso may land a lucrative free-agent contract with another team.
