The New York Yankees are facing stiff competition from some of the biggest spenders in MLB as they work to retain star outfielder Juan Soto. Chief among the contenders is their crosstown rival, the New York Mets. Carlos Beltran, a former nine-time All-Star who has played for both the Yankees and Mets, joined the Mets’ front office in 2023. In a recent interview with Puerto Rican publication Primera Hora, Beltran revealed that the Mets are preparing to pursue Soto aggressively in free agency.
“The Mets want to improve the team, and there is no doubt they will target every player on the market, with Juan Soto being the key piece,” Beltran said. “They won’t hesitate to go full blast after him.”
Soto, who had an outstanding 2024 season with the Yankees, is expected to command a massive contract, with projections topping $700 million for his next deal. According to David Brown of Field Level Media, Soto’s new contract could exceed $700 million, and the Mets are seen as a strong contender to make that offer. Brown predicts that Soto could sign a 13-year, $702 million deal to leave the Yankees and join the Mets in Queens.
Soto’s performance in 2024, where he hit .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and an impressive .419 on-base percentage, has positioned him for the largest payday in MLB history. His age—still under 26—adds to his allure as a long-term investment.
While the Mets didn’t make the World Series in 2024, some analysts believe they are the top free-agent destination this offseason. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranked the Mets as MLB’s best team for free agents, citing their strong second-half performance and the potential for a rebound from their farm system. Whether or not they re-sign their key free agents, such as Pete Alonso and others, the Mets have positioned themselves as a serious threat in the Soto sweepstakes.
