Add Philadelphia to the list.
One of the Mets' rivals, the reigning National League East champion Phillies, is joining the team in acquiring MLB free agent superstar Juan Soto.
“The Phillies haven't met with Juan Soto yet, but they plan to. There aren't many teams that want to win more than them,” says Jon Heyman of the Post. I wrote to X on tuesday.
It's an exciting thought — 26-year-old Soto batting between Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. But paying all three of these superstars would be an expensive endeavor.
The Yankees and Mets are considered the frontrunners in the Soto sweepstakes, with the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Red Sox also in the running.
The Phillies have been on the brink of making it to the World Series for the past few years, and the addition of an outfielder could help them get over the hump.
Philadelphia was one of the best teams in baseball for most of the 2024 season, but faltered in the latter months, losing to the Mets in four games in the National League.
Soto isn't the only big name being rumored for the team.
ESPN's Buster Olney says Alex Bregman, whose career batting average of .272 was key to the Houston Astros' recent World Series win, would be ideal for the Phillies, who are reportedly considering trading Alex Bohm. He pointed out that he is a great player.
But Soto remains the prize of the offseason after helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
During the 2024 season in the Bronx, Soto set career highs in hits (166), home runs (41) and wins over replacement (7.9).
Mets owner Steve Cohen has already had “very detailed” talks with Soto and may be the franchise owner most likely to pay Soto and agent Scott Boras the $700 million they covet. do not have.
