As Juan Soto embarks on his free agency tour, having already met with executives from the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, the New York Mets are making their pitch to the generational talent. Though the final offer won’t be revealed for a few weeks — as Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, often lets the process play out — the Mets’ pitch to Soto is shaping up around several core elements. Here’s a breakdown of what the Mets can offer:
1. Money
When it comes to free-agent negotiations, money is always a driving factor, and the Mets are well-positioned to offer a deal that could be among the largest in MLB history. As the richest owner in Major League Baseball, Steve Cohen has shown a clear willingness to spend whatever it takes to build a championship contender. The Mets have led MLB in payroll for the past two seasons, including a record-breaking 2023, and there’s no indication that Cohen and Mets president David Stearns plan to ease up on their financial commitments in the near future.
Soto’s price tag will be enormous. He’s expected to seek a contract in the range of Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal, or potentially even surpass it. If Soto matches the 13-year contract length of Bryce Harper’s deal with the Phillies, his total value could easily top $600 million in present-day money. The Mets are one of the few teams in baseball that don’t seem to have any financial limits when it comes to long-term spending, and they seem committed to staying above the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold, which would make them one of the clear frontrunners to secure Soto’s signature.
2. New York
Soto has long been a fan of New York, a city that has been home to a vibrant Dominican community. He has made it clear in interviews that he feels at home in the city, mentioning how the Dominican culture and the warm reception he receives from fans make New York a special place. He even described his comfort in the city, recalling how “so many people… make it feel like home.”
Soto’s move to New York in 2024 was seamless. He excelled in his first season with the Yankees, posting some of the best numbers of his career. Players who thrive in New York — and Soto has — often want to stay. The city’s intense media market and passionate fan base can be a double-edged sword, but for players who succeed, New York becomes a place where legacies are made. Soto, a potential superstar for years to come, would be a perfect fit for this atmosphere.
3. Legacy
The Mets’ most compelling pitch to Soto may be the chance to become a legend in Queens. The team has not won a World Series in 38 years, and a significant portion of their fan base has never experienced a championship. If Soto were to help end that drought, he would cement his place in Mets history, alongside other iconic figures like Tom Seaver, Keith Hernandez, and Gary Carter.
For a player like Soto, who’s already on track to be one of the game’s all-time greats, the chance to lead the Mets to a title could be a major factor. While the Yankees, with Aaron Judge, and the Red Sox, with their rich history of recent success, may also present strong cases, Soto’s legacy would be more profound with the Mets. They offer the rare opportunity to come in and become the face of the franchise, leading the team to glory in an era desperate for a championship.
This kind of opportunity isn’t available everywhere. The Blue Jays, despite their strong roster, will always be secondary to the Maple Leafs in the hearts of Toronto sports fans. In New York, however, Soto could carve out a place for himself that rivals some of the greatest Mets to ever wear the uniform. With Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Pete Alonso (if he re-signs) already in place, Soto would be joining a team with established stars, and he could take the Mets to the next level.
Conclusion
While we don’t know yet what the Mets’ final contract offer will look like, their pitch to Juan Soto is rooted in several key elements: money, New York, and legacy. Cohen’s financial commitment, the allure of thriving in one of the world’s most exciting cities, and the chance to become a Mets legend could make New York one of Soto’s most appealing options. The Mets are in a unique position to offer Soto not just a significant contract but a chance to cement his legacy in the history of a franchise with a passionate fan base hungry for a championship.