"Doesn't change balance of power in New York" - Top journo makes feelings known about Juan Soto's $765,000,000 Mets move after 1 year with Yankees
The Mets’ signing of star Juan Soto to the largest contract in team sports history is yet to swing power in New York, ESPN’s Hannah Storm asserts.
During the Dec. 22 edition of ESPN’s The Sports Reporters, the panel discussed the implications of Juan Soto’s departure after one season with the New York Yankees and his subsequent $765 million mega deal with the Mets.
While the earth-shattering move sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, Storm believes the move isn't enough to wrestle the power away from the Bronx Bombers. Storm said:
“To me, it doesn’t change the balance of power yet, in New York. Because New York City is about a winner. The Yankees went to the World Series. They’re winners. We know how long it’s been for the Mets.”
The last time the Mets were crowned World Series champs was in 1986 when they receoverd from a 3-2 deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox in seven games. Since then, the last time the Mets reached the World Series was in 2000, when they lost to the Yankees in the Subway Series.
With Juan Soto in the mix this time, the Mets have a legitimate chance to become the top team in New York. Storm addressed this point:
"I will say this about Soto. The vibe. The Yankees are like this Fortune 500 company, right? It’s really about the pinstripes. But now, Soto is joining the Mets. OMG, right? All of that fun surrounding the Mets, it’ll be really interesting to see.”
With the season still months away, plenty of speculation surround the Mets as they look to continue building a championship-caliber roster.
Looking at projected Mets lineup with Juan Soto in the mix
A piece published by MLB.com on Dec. 9 looked at the Mets lineup with Juan Soto in the mix.
The projected batting order placed Juan Soto second, behind leadoff man Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Soto would hit behind Lindor, playing in right field, with projected first baseman Mark Vientos in the third spot. The cleanup spot would feature left fielder Brandon Nimmo.
The top four is interesting, as it doesn't include free agent Pete Alonso. Of course, Alonso remains on the open market and could return to the Mets.
However, MLB.com didn't include Alonso because he remains unsigned. It will be interesting to see how the Mets lineup would change if Alonso returns. There's no indication yet that he won’t return to the Mets’ clubhouse.
The Mets boast one of the most potent lineups in the National League, with plenty of pop at the top. The bottom three spots look well enough, but the Mets may explore upgrades at third base and potentially center field.
It’s worth noting that the Mets are close to the luxury tax threshold, with roughly $4 million to spare. So, they might not splurge on any big names at this point. Nevertheless, the Mets could have a trick or two up their sleeves now that Soto is in the fold.