"Yankees do not run unopposed" – MLB insider claims Dodgers, Mets owners are problematic for Bronx Bombers in light of losing Juan Soto to Queens
The New York Yankees are often touted as a better team than their cross-town rivals, the Mets, but that may no longer be the case after the recent signing of Juan Soto to a record 15-year, $765 million contract.
It’s rare for the Yankees to be outbid and miss out on a player they desire, especially someone who played a major role in helping them win their first AL pennant in 15 years.
MLB insider Joel Sherman believes that the Yankees are facing major competition from the Dodgers and the Mets, both of whom are ready to spend big.
"There was a time when the Yankees operated without opposition," Sherman said on "The Show" (4:30 onwards). "When they wanted a great player at the top of the market, they could flex their financial muscle and dominate. But now, with Guggenheim owning the Dodgers and Steve Cohen owning the Mets, there are at least three heavyweights in the mix."
"The question remains whether teams like Boston or the Cubs will ever rejoin that tier. Other teams could enter the fray, but the Yankees do not run unopposed. What makes it even more challenging for them is that one of the teams now competing at this level—the Mets—shares New York with them."
Jon Heyman thinks Juan Soto believed Steve Cohen's pitch to make the Mets better
Juan Soto's decision to sign with a team not the Yankees — who fell a year and $5 million short in their bid to land him — must not have been about money alone, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, who believes the outfielder "was ultimately convinced by Steve Cohen throughout the process that Cohen is willing to do whatever it takes to try to win."
"To say it’s all about money when the difference was just $5 million isn’t entirely fair," Heyman said on "The Show." "Yes, there were other small differences, like perks, signing bonuses and additional sweeteners, but I think Soto was sold on the Mets’ vision and Cohen’s approach.
"I understand why the Yankees are upset—they made a great offer and tried hard. You can’t fault them for offering $760 million over 16 years, which is an incredible deal. But in the end, I think Soto was won over by Steve Cohen’s pitch, and that was the decisive factor."
The Mets have flexed their financial muscle, and there’s no telling whether they’ll make another such big move this offseason for another free agent. They have many needs, especially starting pitching, which requires an upgrade if they are to compete for the World Series next year.