`Mets, no matter how much anyone bets, they'll give you $50 million more.' U.S. media outlets say, "Does the Yankees lose their $700 million fight?

Nov 20, 2024

Two New York clubs are reportedly engaged in an unyielding recruitment battle for Juan Soto, who is considered the most valuable FA of all time. ImagesYonhap News

Agent Scott Boras appears to be targeting more than $700 million for Juan Soto's contract. AP Yonhap News

The prevailing prospect among local experts and media is that FA Juan Soto will remain in New York. However, opinions are divided on whether to renew the contract with the Yankees or move to the Mets.

The Yankees' advantage is that Soto has advanced to the World Series with satisfaction while playing for a season this year and has already completed the 'winning power', which he uses as an important choice criterion, and the Mets' advantage is the 'financial ability' to give all the money they want. However, it is difficult to predict which team will be selected because the Yankees have as much money as the Mets, and the Mets are as close to winning the championship as the Yankees.

First of all, the prospect of Soto's trip to the Mets is attracting attention.

"If you know who Scott Boras is, you will want more than $700 million," Caster Michael K. of YES Network, which broadcasts Yankees games, said on the 20th (Korea time) 'ESPN New York Show." Regardless of what the actual value is, the $700 million Dodgers gave Ohtani will be used as a reference point. Steve Cohen is willing to give more than that."I heard from a Major League Baseball official today, and Cohen is willing to put $50 million on whatever club calls him. Looks like the Mets really want Soto."

Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets. AP Yonhap News

Earlier, Spanish-language media outlet Deportivo Z101 Hector Gomez reported on the 18th that "According to Carlos Baerga, Metz offered Soto $660 million."It was once said. If that's true, '700 million' could be a reality. It should be noted that most of Ohtani's $700 million is tied up in a deferred payment received over 10 years, while all $700 million Soto wants is 'in cash' within the contract period.

According to the MLB players' union's current price calculation method, Ohtani's $700 million is about $460.8 million. In other words, compared to the present price, Soto's $700 million is worth more than $200 million more than Ohtani's.

Kay added "It's hard to believe the Yankees will bet up to $700 million on Soto, and whatever the top offer is, Cohen will bet more than that."

The Yankees are difficult to beat the Mets in the money fight because owner Hal Steinbrenner has a plan to reduce payrolls. NJ.com said the Mets' intention to bring Soto to Queens is bad news for the Yankees who can't afford it as much as they do, adding that Steinbrenner is much more conservative than his father George and has already warned that next year's payroll should not reach $314 million like this year.

New York Yankees owner Steinbrenner (center) and general manager Brian Cashman pose ahead of the AL trophy after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS. AFP Yonhap News

However, ESPN predicted that Soto is likely to sign with the Yankees on the same day.

ESPN released the results of a survey of each club's management in the `MLB Offseason Survey: Trade with FA Predictions by General Manager' section, and would Juan Soto sign for more than $600 million? And who would give him that kind of money?When asked ', 12 out of 18 expected to go to the Yankees, and 11 expected more than $600 million in contracts.

For the expected destination, four of the remaining six picked the Mets and two picked the Toronto Blue Jays, while the remaining seven said the contract size was less than $600 million.

ESPN said, `The team officials who participated in the survey believe that if Boras asks for the money needed for Soto's stay, it will pay as much as possible. The Yankees are a team that doesn't let stars leave the team. That's the case for other clubs,' he explained.

A senior member of a small market club told ESPN, `Do you think Steinbrenner will let the world's best player leave? The Dodgers are playing the new Yankees, but Soto is now wearing a Yankees uniform"He was sure to stay with the Yankees.

Starting with the Boston Red Sox on the 15th, Soto is scheduled to meet the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 20th, followed by the Toronto, Mets and Yankees, and then the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies. Other clubs are likely to be 'bridesmaids'.