The New York Mets would then have a chance to submit a bid, as they were previously reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney to “fully intend” to pursue Soto this summer.
“Soto can keep on hitting, sit back, and watch the bidding war emerge between the Yankees and Mets,” wrote Nightengale. “Let’s see who blinks first and gives him $500 million.”
With his current pace, Soto should be able to secure a contract even bigger than the $440 million, 15-year offer he turned down from the Washington Nationals in 2022.
With 47 games played, he is slashing.317/.414/561, leading the AL with 57 hits, 11 home runs, and 37 RBI.
A few days before this story broke, Soto and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner discussed candidly the All-Star outfielder’s impending free agency.
On a YES Network podcast last week, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner stated that while the team and Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, wouldn’t “normally” cooperate on a mid-season contract, Soto might be an exception.
Steinbrenner stated, “This is a unique situation and a very unique player therefore, I wouldn’t be shocked if a few conversations happened throughout the season.”
“I believe it is worthwhile to accomplish eventually. I wanted to give Juan some time to truly get settled, talk to him later, and make sure that, above all, the most crucial thing is that this is a location where he can envision himself staying for a long time.”
According to Dave Campbell of the Associated Press, Soto responded that the “door has always been open” to him thinking about a new agreement when questioned about Steinbrenner’s remarks.
“They are well aware of the phone number. They are aware of who to call. For now, I’m concentrating on my baseball game. My goal is to support the squad in winning,” Soto remarked.
To date, Soto—who the Yankees acquired in a December trade with the San Diego Padres—has been effective in accomplishing that goal. With an AL East-leading 32-15 record going into their Sunday game against the Chicago White Sox, the Yankees are in first place.
