I understand that. In any case, this was not declared a two-team race. The Blue Jays have enough cash on hand to sign Juan Soto. The Phillies claim so. The Dodgers are the Dodgers. And the “Mystery Team” that comes to play every time Scott Boras has a customer shopping is sure to make an appearance each year to entertain us.
But for now, let's assume that it is. We know the Mets are scheduled to meet with Juan Soto this week. We know the Yankees are scheduled to interview with Soto next week. So let's start there. And let's start from now on. Forget about money. Because if it's really just a question of who offers a few more nickels, then where's the fun in this debate?
We can all agree on this. No matter where Soto goes, he won't leave much on the table. So now, let's take a 440 character, team-by-team look at what the Mets and Yankees could offer Soto to make his decision easier. Let's start with the Bronx since the Yankees are the incumbent.
For the Yankees
We need to calmly accept this aspect of history and tradition.
If history and tradition were a major part of the equation, Soto likely would have already been signed. History and tradition are the playground of fans and nostalgic sportswriters. Perhaps Soto is impressed by the way Yankee Stadium constantly reminds him that Babe Ruth played here (technically across the street), Lou Gehrig played here, and Derek Jeter played here. I guess he received it. That is likely to be completely off base.
The Yankees' most valuable assets are:
Here and now.
For now, and for the next seven years, Soto will be in the same lineup as Aaron Judge. Sometimes we theorize about sports, especially when we're feeling the wind in the saloon, but what if Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky could play together? What if Tom Seaver had pitched to Ted Williams? In 2024, we saw one of these hypotheses come true.
What if Juan Soto and Aaron Judge were back-to-back in the batting order?
Answer: It must be a breathtaking sight. He recorded 99 home runs, 253 RBIs, and 250 points, with a total OPS well over 1.000. Another theory comes true. If you could start a baseball team with two players, who else would you choose?
And while all seven of those years, and the next five (or more) that Soto would play, would be at Yankee Stadium, it's important to remember: Soto spent one year there developing his swing. It's not really customized. He's still an all-field hitter, and the more he plays there, the more he says that while finding the gaps in Death Valley may be technically beautiful, there's something to be said for getting the most out of shortstop. I have to think that he will learn more about it. Porch on the right.
And there's this: The Yankees always choose to compete. It's different than winning a championship every year, where the vagaries of the game simply can't be tolerated. But while many are frustrated with Brian Cashman's roster building and Hal Steinbrenner's dedication to his father, remember one thing.
When George Steinbrenner invented the free agent binge in 1977, he gave Reggie Jackson five years and $3 million. Even in 2024 dollars, this contract is still worth just $16 million. Bosses were not played in this era. The Yankees' challenge to win the title continues. And that will continue as long as the Steinbrenner family is at the helm, and it looks like it will continue for quite some time. And he will do so as long as Soto plays here.
For the Mets
History lessons don't mean as much as they used to, and they certainly don't matter as much to superstar athletes in their mid-20s. We already mentioned that.
You know what's appealing about superstar athletes in their mid-20s?
Ego trip. And here's a (perhaps sad, but crucially true) fact about the Mets. The moment he signed with the Mets, he instantly became one of the team's top five all-time players — without ever putting on a uniform and taking a swing. It's happened before. The current shortlist includes Carlos Beltrán, David Wright, Mike Piazza and Francisco Lindor. Want to add Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, or Pete Alonso? Of course. you have rights.
But Soto is on the list. And we don't go very deep until we get to his name.
Is that enough to lead a recruitment pitch? Probably not. But (from what we've seen and heard) players like Soto appear to be more attracted to building a foundational legacy than joining an already established team.
City field?
It doesn't have a famous name like the ballpark across town. But the dimensions would be nearly perfect for Soto's swing. He won't get an extra 10 walks in right field, but as mentioned, he's just as happy taking those talents to center and left field. City are not a batsman's paradise, but smart batsmen can find openings there every game. Jose Reyes and Jeff McNeil both won batting titles at Citi Field. Can't imagine Juan Soto being able to add some?
And OK: the amount Soto signs has already been declared off-limits. What is impossible is the source of that wealth. And here's the thing: What if Stephen Cohen do Whatever the magic number is to get Soto's signature, he will do whatever it takes, do whatever it takes, to make the Mets a team where Soto is a contender and not a standout. It is clear that you have no qualms about spending – a single feature.
Steve Cohen is worth about $20 billion, about as much as the next three richest baseball owners combined. And look at it this way, here's another truth along with everything else: The Mets never We had this one-on-one battle with the Yankees and came out victorious. Until now. And if you don't think part of all this appeal to Steve Cohen was taking shots like this, you haven't been paying attention.
