It’s been a season of ups and downs for New York’s baseball teams, but as the MLB postseason looms, there’s a growing possibility that both the Yankees and the Mets could be playing October baseball. This rare scenario has the city buzzing, with the Yankees holding a slim lead in the American League East and the Mets making a late push for a National League wild card spot.
The Yankees, fueled by the dynamic duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, are two games ahead in their division and are tied for the best record in the league. Meanwhile, the Mets have mounted an impressive second-half surge, led by their star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is having an MVP-caliber season. While the Mets trail the Atlanta Braves by three games for the final playoff spot, their strong finish has kept them in the hunt, making the prospect of postseason baseball in both boroughs a real possibility.
As the regular season winds down, attention is also turning to what the offseason might hold, particularly regarding Juan Soto. The Yankees acquired Soto via trade last offseason, and he has lived up to expectations, boasting an impressive .296/.427/.600 slash line with 37 home runs and 95 RBIs in 128 games. However, with free agency looming after the 2024 season, speculation is rampant about whether the Yankees will be willing to offer Soto the massive contract he will undoubtedly command, especially with big deals already on the books for Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole.
Francisco Lindor, for one, wouldn’t mind seeing Soto in a Mets uniform next year. Speaking to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Lindor expressed his admiration for Soto and the potential impact he could have on the Mets.
“When it comes to the outfielder from across our borough,” Lindor said, “he’s having a fantastic year, and I hope he goes out there and breaks every record when it comes to getting paid. If it’s with us, it’ll be fantastic. He’ll help us a lot.”
Soto is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents, with the potential to sign a record-breaking contract. While it may be difficult to imagine a deal on the scale of Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the creative structure of Ohtani’s deal could pave the way for similar innovative contracts.
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For Mets owner Steve Cohen, the price tag might not be an issue. With a net worth nearing $20 billion, Cohen has made it clear that he’s willing to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship to Citi Field. Adding Soto to the Mets’ lineup would not only strengthen the team but also deliver a significant blow to their crosstown rivals, something that Mets fans would undoubtedly relish. Cohen’s willingness to sign a blank check for a talent like Soto makes this potential move more than just a fantasy.
Of course, there’s still baseball to be played before free agency begins. The Mets are focused on securing a playoff spot, and the Yankees are aiming to maintain their division lead. But the prospect of Juan Soto donning a Mets uniform is an intriguing possibility that could reshape the balance of power in New York baseball and give the Mets a formidable lineup for years to come.
As the offseason approaches, this potential partnership is certainly worth keeping an eye on. If Soto does decide to switch boroughs, it could set the stage for a new era in the Subway Series rivalry and elevate the Mets to serious contenders in the National League.
