The New York Mets are fresh off a season in which they traded most of their veteran, expensive players for prospects.
To read, or hear, that they are getting ready to make a run at Juan Soto once he hits the free-agent market after the season might seem hard to believe given their past deadline behavior in 2023, but it makes all the sense in the world for a variety of reasons.
First off, they decided to trade Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, David Robertson and other veterans because they had fallen in a huge hole in the standings and it was necessary to retool on some prospects.
2024 is now seen as a transition year, but one in which they could potentially make some noise.
In 2025, however, once some contracts are off the books and once some prospects such as Luisangel Acuna, Drew Gilbert, and others are ready for the majors, they intend to make a run at the World Series.
And to do that, getting Soto would represent a major boost.
MLB insider Buster Olney is hearing that a pursuit of the young star is very much expected later in the year.
“The most interesting thing heard at Mets’ camp yesterday — and it’s not surprising, given that the Scherzer contract (and others) will melt off their payroll next winter — is that they fully intend to take a run at Juan Soto next winter,” Olney tweeted.
The most interesting thing heard at Mets’ camp yesterday — and it’s not surprising, given that the Scherzer contract (and others) will melt off their payroll next winter — is that they fully intend to take a run at Juan Soto next winter
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 6, 2024
Soto is on a historic pace, on his way to the Hall of Fame.
Nobody in the league has his plate discipline, and he has hit 160 home runs with a career .946 OPS at 25 years old.
He will command over $500 million, but is someone who has already won a World Series and could be the face of a contender for another decade.
In other words, he is very much worth the investment; and the Mets have plenty of money to offer.
Once Scherzer’s contract ($43.3 million salary) comes off the books, they will be able to land Soto (not that they couldn’t afford him before).
Prepare for a gigantic Mets bid for Soto.
NEXT:
A Familiar Sound Is Back At Mets Camp