Juan Soto is regarded as the biggest prize in free agency this winter, and understandably so. Soto is coming off the best year of his career when he mashed 41 home runs, drove in 109, and posted the highest WAR of his career at 7.9.
Teams have been clamoring for Soto's services. The New York Yankees have been listed as the favorite to bring back the star outfielder, but he is keeping his options open and has visited several teams.
The cross-town rival New York Mets are one of them. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Mets' initial offer has officially been sent to Scott Boras, Soto's agent. They are not the only ones, though, as the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays have each submitted their initial offers.
All along, Soto's camp has said they plan on being patient and doing their due diligence. So, the fact that at least five teams have submitted offers does not move us much closer to knowing where he will ultimately land.
Among the teams to be taken seriously, the Mets likely make the most sense.
They are likely going to remain in contention for a World Series berth, which is something Soto covets. Additionally, they have a glaring hole in the outfield.
New York recently traded with the Tampa Bay Rays for center fielder Jose Siri. The speedy outfielder offers some depth, speed, and flexibility, but is not a player that can be counted on every day in the lineup. He hit just .187 last year and is a career .210 hitter.
Soto and Boras are going to draw this out well past Winter Meetings, creating a bidding war. The Mets will assuredly be one of the last bidders standing.
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