New York Mets Reportedly Could Be Favorite For Slugger in Free Agency Next Offseason

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the New York Mets may already be the favorites to sign Juan Soto, who is ticketed for free agency after the 2024 season.

While this offseason isn't technically over yet, it's apparently never too early to look ahead to next offseason...

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the New York Mets may already be among the favorites to land free agent Juan Soto, who is ticketed for free agency after the 2024 season.

– The Mets are not only expected to strongly pursue, but could be among the favorites for outfielder Juan Soto when he’s a free agent next winter. 

Soto was just traded from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees this offseason in a massive trade. While the Yankees undoubtedly will want to see how he handles playing in New York before making an offer, they can't be counted out when it comes to trying to get an extension done in-season. 

However, given that Soto is a Scott Boras client and is this close to free agency, it seems unlikely that he'd take any deal before hitting the market.

Soto is one of the best hitters in baseball - and one of the most accomplished hitters ever by the age of 25.

He's already a three-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger and a batting champion. He also helped the Washington Nationals win the 2019 World Series and is a career .284 hitter with a .421 on-base percentage.

Soto will likely command a deal of more than $500 million in free agency and only a small handful of teams can afford that. Given that the Los Angeles Dodgers have already committed to Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they would seem to be out. The Yankees and Red Sox can't be counted out, and of course, the Mets, as Nightengale indicates.

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