Insider Suggests Mets Could Pursue Yankees Superstar Next Offseason
Ideally for the New York Mets this season, they're able to put together some sort of competitive team while also getting a sense of which of their young prospects can factor into their roster's future moving forward.
New president of baseball operations David Stearns was able to convince owner Steve Cohen to have a modest approach this winter and wait until after 2024 is finished to attack free agency.
Max Scherzer's deal and likely Justin Verlander's vesting option comes off their books, only leaving them with $155.5 million in projected payroll for 2025, according to Spotrac.
That would give the Mets a green light to pursue some of the elite players who will become available.
Of course, Pete Alonso continues to be the name discussed as New York likely lets him hit free agency without an extension getting done.
Getting the slugger back would be huge, and is likely a top priority when that time comes, but Andy Martino of SNY thinks the Mets could also aggressively pursue another superstar.
"But the view from here is there really isn't any reason why the Mets wouldn't make a massive push for [Juan] Soto in free agency after this season. The Mets aren't talking about it, at least to people like me, but the industry certainly expects it," writes Martino.
Juan Soto was acquired by the New York Yankees earlier this offseason after sending the San Diego Padres a massive trade package to get the slugger into their lineup.
His agent Scott Boras will likely push for him to reach free agency after his lone year with the Yankees, making him one of the most coveted players on the open market.
The Mets could make a massive statement if they're able to get the superstar to switch boroughs.
Cohen has shown he's not shy when pursuing the top available players.
Expect them to make a real push for Soto when he hits the open market.
