After the New York Yankees extended a qualifying offer to Juan Soto, General Manager Brian Cashman confirmed he has already opened discussions with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, on the team’s intention to re-sign the star outfielder. Soto was instrumental in the Yankees’ first American League pennant since 2009, though the team ultimately fell short in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Soto’s free agency has already fueled rumors, with teams like the Dodgers and the New York Mets reportedly prepared to pursue him. The 26-year-old, a four-time MLB All-Star, has indicated that he is open to considering offers from any team, saying after the Yankees’ season-ending loss that he’d be “open to all 30 teams.”
Cashman acknowledged the Yankees’ strong interest in retaining Soto but admitted they are prepared to pivot should Soto sign elsewhere. “Our priority is keeping Soto here,” he noted. “But we’re aware of the reality of free agency, and that could mean we’ll have to adjust if the situation changes.”
The Yankees are not the only team in New York grappling with the potential free agency loss of a star player. Mets’ power hitter Pete Alonso could also hit the open market if he declines the Mets’ qualifying offer, making him a key figure in the free agency landscape alongside Soto. Rumors that the Mets are considering a substantial offer for Soto have added intrigue, though Cashman refrained from speculating about rival teams’ moves.
Recently, the rumored “Mets-Soto mega deal” caused a social media frenzy when a post circulated suggesting that New York’s National League team had offered Soto a 12-year contract. The report, however, was debunked by MLB insider Jon Heyman, who clarified that the post was a prank, further stoking the Soto conversation online.
Soto is anticipated to draw one of the largest contracts in MLB history, potentially falling between $500 million to $700 million. As the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and other potential suitors line up, only time will tell who will ultimately secure one of baseball’s premier talents.
