After the New York Yankees extended a qualifying offer to Juan Soto, General Manager Brian Cashman confirmed that he has already begun discussions with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, about the team’s intention to re-sign the star external. Soto was instrumental to the Yankees’ first American League pennant since 2009, although the team ultimately fell in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Soto’s free agency has already fueled rumors, with teams like the Dodgers and New York Mets reportedly ready to pursue him. The 26-year-old, a four-time MLB All-Star, has indicated he is open to considering offers from any team, saying after the Yankees’ loss at the end of the season that he would be “open to all 30 teams.”
Cashman acknowledged the Yankees’ strong interest in retaining Soto, but admitted they are prepared to change course if Soto signs elsewhere. “Our priority is to keep Soto here,” he noted. “But we are aware of the reality of free agency, and that may mean we will have to adapt if the situation changes.”
The Yankees aren’t the only team in New York dealing with the potential loss of a star player in free agency. Mets power hitter Pete Alonso could also hit the market if he rejects the Mets’ qualifying offer, making him a key figure in the free agency landscape alongside Soto. Rumors that the Mets are considering a substantial offer for Soto have added intrigue, though Cashman refrained from speculating on rival teams’ movements.
Recently, the alleged “Mets-Soto mega deal” caused a social media frenzy when a post circulated suggesting that the New York National League team had offered Soto a 12-year contract. However, the report was denied by MLB insider Jon Heyman, who clarified that the post was a joke, further fueling the conversation about Soto online.
Soto is expected to attract one of the largest contracts in MLB history, potentially in the range of $500 million to $700 million. As the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers and other potential suitors line up, only time will tell who will ultimately secure one of baseball’s most prestigious talents.
