"Nerve-racking for Yankees" - MLB sportscaster claims Mets acquiring Juan Soto is 'unthinkable' for their crosstown rivals in New York
Juan Soto's free agency has got many talking about his potential destination. The New York Yankees and the Mets are the primary contenders to sign him. Many analysts believe that the Mets will win his sweepstakes, given how deep their owner Steve Cohen's pockets are.
Soto is entering the final stretch of his free agency and will reportedly agree to a new contract sometime around MLB GM winter meetings, which are scheduled between Dec. 9-12.
On Thursday's edition of "Ben Maller Show," the host said that the Yankees can't lose Soto, as the narrative around their rivalry with the Mets would change. That's why Maller believes the Yankees are willing to give a favorable deal to Juan Soto, one with opt-outs in place, as they can't afford to lose the outfielder to their crosstown rivals.
"This is nerve-racking for Yankees brass," Maller said (10:07 onwards). "They’re nervous because they see what could happen. There are multiple dimensions to this, and it’s nail-biting time in the Bronx.
"The Yankees have a legitimate concern about losing Soto to the Mets. That’s unthinkable to them. The Mets typically get Yankees’ castoffs—players the Yankees are done with, who then try to revive their careers with the Mets. It doesn’t usually work the other way around. This would be a first. If it happens, it would be a bold statement from Steve Cohen, the Mets' owner, essentially saying, 'We’re here to compete with you.'"
Ben Maller doesn't consider Red Sox significant threat to land Juan Soto
Another surprising team that has entered the Juan Soto sweepstakes is the Yankees' divisional rivals Boston Red Sox. Earlier this week, the Red Sox had asked Juan Soto's camp for a meeting with the outfielder after which they will give him an offer.
However, Ben Maller doesn't think that the Red Sox are a significant threat, but if they acquire the outfielder, it would mark a "resurgence" for them.
"Meanwhile, the Red Sox are lurking in the shadows," Maller said. "Personally, I don’t think they’re serious contenders, but some suggest they’ve made a legitimate offer to Soto. If the Red Sox do land him, it could mark their resurgence — essentially signaling, 'We’re tired of being bad and want to win again.'"
It remains to be seen how everything pans out. The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies and the Blue Jays are among the teams who will soon share their final offer to Juan Soto before he decides where to go.