MLB Exec Says Only 2 Teams Have Realistic Shot At Signing Juan Soto

Yes, the New York Yankees have every intention of doing their utmost best to re-sign impending free agent Juan Soto this off-season. But make no mistake about it, it won't be a one-horse race. That's what we're being told by insider Jon Heyman.

The New York Post columnist quotes a rival MLB executive from outside of NYC, who says really only two teams have a realistic shot at signing Soto.

“It’s the Yankees, then the Mets, then everyone else,” said the exec.

It's being suggested that Soto will command a long-term contract worth north of $550 million, possibly $600 million.

NY Mets owner Steve Cohen won't flinch at that, of course, as he owns the deepest pockets in the sport. The Mets have proven themselves to be closer to real playoff contention than anyone thought they'd be this season, as they sit with a slight edge in the 2nd Wild Card spot in the National League heading into the final weekend of the season. Adding Soto could push them to new heights.

As for the Yankees, now that they've had Soto in their lineup all season, they know they can ill-afford to lose him. Hitting in front of Aaron Judge this season, the 25-year-old Soto is slashing .288/.418/.572 with a .990 OPS and a 177 OPS+. He's recorded his first 40 home run season, with 41 long balls and 108 RBIs. His 126 runs leads the AL.

The Yanks, of course, have the upper hand in wooing Soto, as the incumbent. As reported on Friday by Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic, the Yankees arranged for a previously unknown face to face meeting back in July between Soto and the man who could sign those $600 million in checks, owner Hal Steinbrenner.

“It was good to get to know the owner,” Soto told The Athletic. “Get to see what he’s thinking about me and everything.”

Come this winter, he'll get to know exactly what and how much Steinbrenner —and Mets owner Cohen — think of him.