The Mets and Yankees are set to compete intensely over star free agent Juan Soto this offseason, with both teams making the outfielder their primary target. While the Yankees are the initial favorites to land Soto, the Mets are also determined contenders with serious interest. Simultaneously, the Yankees have expressed interest in Mets free agent Pete Alonso as a potential alternative if their pursuit of Soto falls through. Alonso, although a significant talent, is viewed as a secondary option for the Yankees, indicating that their main focus remains on securing Soto.
Historically, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has been supportive of Mets owner Steve Cohen’s acquisition of the Mets, even though this could eventually lead to bidding battles for top-tier players. This offseason has brought that rivalry to life, as both franchises aim to outbid each other for Soto’s signature. With Cohen’s considerable resources, the Mets now have a financial power akin to that of the Yankees, setting the stage for a high-stakes competition. The Mets’ recent playoff success adds to their appeal as a destination for Soto, making them a formidable threat in the bidding process.
The Yankees are viewed as frontrunners for Soto due to their longstanding prestige, large fanbase, and the allure of pairing Soto with Aaron Judge in the lineup. However, the Mets offer their own advantages, including their recent performance in the NLCS and Cohen’s dedication to building a competitive roster. This competition has drawn attention from across the league, with at least 11 other teams checking in on Soto, though the Yankees view the Mets as their main obstacle in this bidding war.
While winning is a key factor in Soto’s decision, so is the potential contract size, which is expected to exceed $600 million. The Yankees hope to leverage their storied history and the chance for Soto to bat alongside Judge, a role that has reportedly excited the outfielder. The Mets, in contrast, could offer a fresh lineup and potentially team Soto with their emerging talent Mark Vientos, though this might not match the power of a Soto-Judge duo. The possibility of pairing Soto with Alonso in Queens has also emerged, presenting a scenario where both New York teams could shape drastically different lineups.
As a backup, the Yankees have also explored alternative stars, such as Alonso, Anthony Santander, and Alex Bregman, along with pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. If they fail to land Soto, they may pursue multiple players to bolster their lineup and pitching rotation. Although there’s a decent chance one of these New York stars ends up in the Bronx, it’s unlikely both Soto and Alonso will join the Yankees. If one team secures both talents, current projections favor the Mets, intensifying the rivalry as both teams push to become the preeminent baseball force in New York.
