MLB Rumors: Exec Would 'Bet' Mets Will Pursue Yankees' Juan Soto in 2024 Free Agency

An anonymous MLB executive believes that the New York Mets will attempt to sign New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto after the 2024 season in addition to re-signing Pete Alonso, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

"I bet [Mets owner Steve Cohen] goes for both," said the executive, who reportedly knows Cohen but does not work for the team.

Soto was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the San Diego Padres on Dec. 6 before the three-time All-Star and New York's front office agreed to a $31 million 2024 salary to avoid arbitration on Jan. 11.

It also means that Soto will enter unrestricted free agency at the end of his 2024 campaign. While a long-term deal isn't completely out of the equation, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn't appear optimistic about the 25-year-old's chances of wearing pinstripes in 2025 and beyond.

"We recognized when we went into this situation that the odds are that it's a one-year situation before free agency," Cashman said to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. "Certainly, that can change, I guess, but the odds are certainly against that. He's this close to free agency. I don't see too many things stopping him from hitting free agency."

While the Mets had a relatively quiet offseason despite their reported interest in notable free agents such as Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it seems as though the front office is attempting to make larger free agency splashes ahead of the 2025 season.

In a text message to Jon Heyman of the New York Post in Aug. 2023, Cohen discussed the team's vision to seriously compete for a title after 2024.

"We will be competitive in '24 but I think 25-26 is when our young talent makes an impact," Cohen wrote. "Lots of pitching in free agency in '24. More payroll flexibility in '25. Got a lot of dead money in '24."

If the Mets are looking to become a contender in 2025, signing Soto is a great place to start. He's showcased both power and discipline at the plate throughout his six years in the league, racking up 160 total home runs while his .421 career on-base percentage is the highest mark among active MLB players.