New York Yankees’ top competition for Juan Soto is the crosstown Mets, MLB insider says as soon-to-be free agent ‘expects to see offers above $500m’

Soon-to-be free agent Juan Soto is likely to remain in New York for the foreseeable future, ESPN reportsIt’s just a matter of district.

The New York Yankees player is expected to command at least $500 million when he finally becomes an unrestricted free agent this winter. However, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan, only one other team has a realistic chance of signing him: the Mets, who are from the same city.

Soto’s ultimate price tag remains a complete mystery. Three years ago, as a 23-year-old World Series winner with the Washington Nationals, Soto turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract in hopes of becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.

With that moment fast approaching, Passan reports that the Mets and Yankees are the clear favorites for his services, while the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, LA Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are all out of the running.

The Yankees have one clear advantage in MVP candidate Aaron Judge, who has batted mostly behind Soto all season and has provided the power-hitting lefty with tremendous protection in Aaron Boone’s lineup. Pitchers afraid to put Soto on base ahead of the game’s best power hitter have done just that, walking the 26-year-old a league-leading 109 times this season.

And when Soto made contact, he was downright devastating.

Since being acquired from San Diego during the offseason, Soto has hit .294 with 37 home runs, 25 doubles and four triples this season in the Bronx.

Most importantly, he has scored 108 runs this season and is likely to easily surpass his career-best score of 111 from 2021.

Soto is one of six key upcoming unrestricted free agents for the Yankees, who must weigh the contributions of Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres before committing to the right fielder.

The Mets may have a tougher decision to make.

Sure, they have seemingly unlimited resources with owner Steve Cohen, a hedge fund billionaire who is considered by Forbes to be one of the 100 richest people in the world. But the Long Island native didn’t throw away his fortune to bring a World Series to Queens.

Aaron Judge (left) and Juan Soto (right) have become one of the most fearsome duos in baseball

The Mets also face a decision regarding first baseman Pete Alonso, who is approaching 30

Additionally, Mets general manager David Stearns must make a decision on first baseman Pete Alonso, a right-handed hitter and a potential complement to Soto, whose offensive production has nonetheless declined over the past three years.

The former National League Rookie of the Year is now approaching 30 and could be part of the Mets’ future. The club could also look to add a cheaper option at first base (think Arizona’s Christian Walker) to put more pressure on Soto.

There are other complicating factors for both the Yankees and the Mets.

In the Bronx, injury-plagued Gerrit Cole could opt out of his contract with four years and $144 million remaining, although that seems unlikely at this point.

One pitcher who is more likely to opt out is the Mets’ Sean Manaea, who could capitalize on a stellar year by hitting free agency this winter.