New York Yankees star Juan Soto is one of the hottest topics in baseball these days. The outfielder joined the Yanks on a one-year, $31 million contract during the offseason from the San Diego Padres. Since moving to New York, the Dominican slugger has impressed his teammates and fans with his excellent performances.
However, as the 2024 season is slowly moving toward the business end, many are questioning if they will see Soto in pinstripes next season. He is set to be a free agent at the end of this season, and reportedly, there have been no concrete talks between the club and the player over a possible extension beyond 2025.
Some teams are also keeping tabs on the Dominican Republic star's situation at the Yankees. One of the teams who are interested in acquiring Soto's services next year is the New York Mets. However, they have an extension situation of their own already.
Mets star slugger Pete Alonso is also out of contract at the end of this season and would be a free agent if both parties don't reach a mutual agreement for a possible extension.
MLB insider Michael Morino has urged the Mets to go all in for Soto instead of getting a $150-200 million contract to Alonso, while also suggesting Christian Walker as a cheaper option for All-Star 1B's replacement.
"My Mets hot take this offseason: If Pete Alonso is going to get $150-200M, the Mets should pivot to a shorter term deal for Christian Walker," Morino said. "His bat is very legit and he’ll likely command much less money than Pete. Make a separate bigger play for Soto."
Francisco Lindor reflects on Juan Soto's upcoming free agency, predicts the star to get record-breaking money
Mets slugger Francisco Lindor has opened up on his AL rival Juan Soto's upcoming free agency. Lindor said that in case Soto becomes a free agent, he can expect some record-breaking deals.
"I hope he goes out and breaks every record out there when it comes to getting paid. If it’s with us, it’ll be fantastic, he’ll help us a lot,” Lindor said.
This season, Juan Soto has played 129 games for the Yankees, hitting .294, with an OPS of 1.019, 37 HRs and 95 RBIs.