MLB Insider: Juan Soto's Free Agency Heats Up

The race to sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto is heating up as multiple teams vie for his services. Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Toronto Blue Jays might be the team to keep Soto from re-signing with the New York Yankees or joining the New York Mets in free agency. However, recent reports indicate that Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, had a "productive" three-hour meeting with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night1.

In a mailbag published on Friday, MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY was asked about the Mets' chances of landing Soto. Martino responded, "A good chance. A solid chance. A big chance. They have the resources, ambition, and location1." He added that while Soto was happy as a Yankee, the Mets, led by president of baseball operations David Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen, are well-positioned to make a strong bid.

Despite the Yankees' financial capabilities, there are questions about how much owner Hal Steinbrenner is willing to spend, given his previous comments about the team's payroll. Cohen, on the other hand, has a history of big spending and could outbid other teams1.

Soto is expected to reset the market for position players with a historic contract this offseason, and Boras is likely hoping for a bidding war to drive up Soto's price. While Soto will continue to meet with other teams, including the Blue Jays, the competition is fierce1.

Mets icon Carlos Beltran, serving as a "special assistant" to Stearns, recently stated that the club "will go full blast for" Soto. This, along with Martino's update, suggests that Cohen won't accept Soto playing for Boston or Toronto unless they make a shocking offer exceeding $700 million1.

​The coming weeks will be crucial as Soto navigates his free agency and teams strategize to secure his services.