The New York Yankees might want to pay attention to their cross-town rivals.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, early indications suggest that the New York Mets are planning to pursue Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto in free agency this offseason. Heyman also cites an anonymous MLB executive who considers the Mets to be the Yankees’ biggest competition for Soto.
“It’s the Yankees first, then the Mets, and then everyone else,” the executive said.
Soto, a four-time All-Star, is hitting .288 this season with 41 home runs and 108 RBIs, positioning himself for a massive contract this winter, potentially surpassing half a billion dollars. The Mets, who are close to securing an NL Wild Card spot, have been spending heavily since Steve Cohen took over and have long been rumored to be interested in Soto.
While a surprise team could still enter the mix, for now, it looks like a battle between the Yankees and Mets for Soto’s signature.