Insider expands on Mets' planned pursuit of Yankees' Juan Soto

There's more information about the New York Mets' alleged planned pursuit of New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Juan Soto assuming Soto becomes a free agent this coming fall. 

For a piece published Thursday evening, MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that the Mets "may become the biggest competitor for Soto's services" because big-spending team owner Steve Cohen is "expected to be back in spending mode next winter" following what many have deemed to be a relatively dull offseason for the organization. 

"Folks say Mets baseball president David Stearns prefers free agents 28 and younger, and Soto is 25," Heyman explained. "I believe Cohen truly wants to win, but he may want to win just a bit more in the fifth year of his tenure after saying at the start he hoped to win a World Series within the first five years."

Heyman mentioned that the Mets didn't pursue All-Star slugger Aaron Judge in the fall of 2022 amid whispers claiming Cohen and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner had "a mutually respectful relationship" and did not wish "to upend that with a high-profile bidding war." 

However, Heyman noted that Soto "just got fitted in pinstripes," as he joined the Yankees from the San Diego Padres in December. 

Soto is represented by well-known agent Scott Boras and seems unlikely to sign an extension with the Yankees before hitting the open market shortly after the 2024 World Series concludes. 

Boras also represents Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso heading into Alonso's walk year. Tim Britton of The Athletic suggested on Friday that Cohen could re-sign Alonso and still pay Soto after the fact. 

"My recent contract projections for those two have Soto getting a 14-year, $540M deal ($38.5M average annual value) and Alonso netting six years and $168M ($28M AAV)," Britton said. "The Mets could potentially go longer with Alonso to slightly lessen the AAV if that worked for both sides."

Heyman pointed out that "Soto could garner a $500M deal or more" from a team such as the Mets, Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox or Chicago Cubs. 

While plenty can and will happen before Soto can speak with other teams, signs point to Cohen making the three-time All-Star an offer he may not be able to refuse.