"Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn't want to come here" - MLB analyst claims Juan Soto's free agency is unlike Mets' pursuit of Japanese ace in 2023
With the New York Mets being the favorites to land Juan Soto as a free agent, MLB analyst Don La Greca believes it's the most logical conclusion to the speculation.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has the deepest pocket in the major leagues and can outbid any other team. With Cohen losing out on Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year, Greca believes it's a different scenario, as Soto's move is more likely:
On The Michael Kay Show, Greca said that Yamamoto was set on going to LA no matter what other contract was offered, but the same cannot be said for Soto. According to La Greca, the outfielder is more open towards the Mets, which makes them favorites to sign him.
"I don't think there's a scenario where Juan Soto wouldn't want to come to the Mets. He may not go to the Mets, but I don't think he's got a problem with the Mets.
"The reason they bowed out with Yamamoto was because Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn't want to come here. ... Yamamoto was going to the Dodgers. I think everybody knew that."
Given his deep pockets and willingness to put together a World Series-winning team, Steve Cohen is expected to go all in for Juan Soto. Given the fact that they weren't too aggressive in the market last year, there's huge expectation on Cohen to spend big on Soto. However, it remains to be seen if the Dominican has other plans.
Last year, the Mets and Cohen missed out on Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who eventually joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB insider says that Mets owner Steve Cohen is ready to outbid anyone by $50 million for Juan Soto
As the Juan Soto sweeptakes reach a crescendo, analysts and fans seem to be coming up with a ridiculous number every day.
Some back the New York Yankees to re-sign the star, while others believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers are a surprise contender. MLB analyst Michael Kay has reported that according to a source, New York Mets owner is ready to outbid the competition by $50 million as he goes all in to sign Soto.
Five teams have laid offers on to the table for Soto, with more expected to make bids. So far, the Dominican has been feeling the market and evaluating the offers before he makes a decision.